Working Title: Mental Health Program Assistant
Job Class: Mental Health Program Assistant
Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
Job ID : 96485
Location : Farmington
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Part Time and Full Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/20/2026
Closing Date : 08/31/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Direct Care and Treatment / DCT EMSOCS AFSCME
Division/Unit : MSOCS Residential Southwest / MSOCS FC Middle Creek
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating
Days of Work : Varies; may include weekends and holidays
Travel Required : Yes - 50% Attend meetings and training sessions, and transport and accompany individuals to medical appointments, community outings, recreational activities, and spiritual events.
Salary Range: $24.54 - $31.43 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
Work Area : Farmington, MN
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
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.
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.
Community Based Services is seeking a dependable and trustworthy Mental Health Program Assistant to join our team of caring individuals who take pride in the work and care they provide individuals. As a Mental Health Program Assistant you will play an important role in assisting the individual in achieving their goals. This includes understanding individual needs, supporting program plans and helping the individual reach their maximum potential.
Responsibilities include:
Participating in the development, refinement and implementation of individualized program plans that will help individuals safely achieve their goals.
Assisting individuals in becoming valued community members by balancing individual goals, supporting good choices and facilitating relationships with support networks and community organizations.
Promoting skill development and independence with the individual to maintain optimal mental health, physical health and wellness.
Assisting individuals with household management tasks to ensure the home is meeting licensure requirements, household needs and safety.
Medication administration, assistance and management.
Contributing to the safety and security of the home, individuals served and co-workers.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Must have a valid Driver's License
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 de-escalate aggressive/ violent/ inappropriate behavior.
Therapeutic intervention techniques sufficient to de-escalate 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 clients living with mental illness.
Interact with clients sufficient to assist in delivery of support needs including transportation, engaged recreation and development of daily life skills.
Provide ongoing work direction and training to other staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Experience working with individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and individuals on civil commitment.
Observe a mental health symptom or change in mental health status in the moment and utilize knowledge, skills and training of the individual, program/plans in place, and immediate safety concerns for all in the area to act quickly to de-escalate the situation in the least intrusive manner possible.
Working knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma informed supports, person-centered thinking, and positive behavior supports.
Additional Requirements
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - Direct Care and Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
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.
