Working Title: Mental Health Program Assistant
Job Class: Mental Health Program Assistant
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
Job ID : 92760
Location : Brainerd
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Part-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/11/2026
Closing Date : 03/17/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Brainerd AFSCME
Division/Unit : Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / MSHS Brainerd Rehab Worker
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift / 7:30am-4:00pm; 12:00pm-8:30pm; 2:30pm-11:00pm
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : Yes; less than 5% for off-site meetings and to transport clients according to their treatment plans.
Salary Range: $24.12 - $30.89 / hourly; $50,362 - $64,498 / annually
Job Class Option : Mental Health Rehab Worker
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
Work Area : MSHS Brainerd
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Candidates may be eligible for hiring bonus up to $2,500!
Minnesota Specialty Health System (MSHS) in Brainerd is seeking passionate and dedicated Mental Health Program Assistants (MHPA) to join our team and make a great difference in the lives of others. As an Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) facility, MSHS Brainerd focuses on rehabilitative education, building interpersonal skills, and developing community engagement skills to increase each client's independence and self-management of their illness, behavior, and emotion. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a great team.
The Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker will perform specific tasks to improve functional skills of residents in providing short-term safe, quality and supportive residential services. This position will also participate as an active member of the treatment team under the direction of the mental health practitioner and clinical supervisor.
Primary responsibilities include:
Utilize the Illness Management and Recovery model and person-centered approach to assist clients with the provision of reintegration and placement into the community to promote independence, autonomy, personal responsibility, and personal control.
Participate actively in on-going professional growth and development, maintain appropriate professional behavior and utilize professional supervision.
Transport clients to various sites in order to achieve the goals of the service plan and proper utilization of a state vehicle when assigned to a designated site.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify, applicants must have all of the following:
Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Meet the qualifications of the section 245I.04, subdivision 14, Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/245I.04#stat.245I.04.2)
Knowledge of:
Behavior modification theory/techniques sufficient to implement behavior management components of treatment plans.
Mental illness sufficient to design and implement individual treatment plans, identify and control aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior.
Therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to control aggressive or violent behavior.
Laws, rules, regulations and policies governing treatment of mental illness and vulnerable adults sufficient to protect the rights of clients/residents.
Ability to:
Perform basic health care procedures, such as taking vital signs and administering medications.
Observe, interpret and document client behaviors sufficient to provide information needed for evaluation and treatment planning.
Read, write and speak English sufficient to interpret, implement and evaluate individual treatment plans for mentally ill.
Interact with clients sufficient to assist in the delivery of group therapy, teach specialized and vocational skills, and teach recreation and life skills.
Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Patient care experience within a mental health or behavioral health setting.
Experience working in a hospital setting.
Additional Requirements
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
