Mental Health Specialist Norfolk Regional Center

Mental Health Specialist Norfolk Regional Center (Evergreen) (Open)

We are hiring Mental Health Specialist at the Norfolk Regional Center. The Norfolk Regional Center (NRC) was created by an act of the Nebraska Legislature in 1885. NRC currently serves two distinct populations of adult males who are committed by a Mental Health Board for inpatient psychiatric treatment. In 2006, NRC began providing treatment to individuals who have sexually offended. The Nebraska Sex Offender (SO) Treatment Program improves public safety by reducing the risk of re-offense, while also improving the quality of patients' lives. In 2018, NRC opened the Medical Support Program and began providing high quality nursing and medical treatment for men with significant physical conditions and a variety of psychiatric, cognitive, and aging issues. The program provides activities designed to maintain optimal functioning while at the same time meeting the specific psychiatric care and safety needs of each patient.

The Norfolk Regional Center is seeking dependable, motivated individuals to join our team as Mental Health Specialists (MHS). In this role, you will provide hands-on care, supervision, and daily support to patients in a secure facility. This is a direct care position—not a licensed clinical or therapy role. MHS staff are essential to maintaining safety, supporting daily routines, and contributing to a structured therapeutic environment.

Application Requirement (Please Read Carefully) To be considered for this position, applicants must complete the Education section of the application. Applications with incomplete education information may not receive further consideration. Additionally, a valid driver's license is required for this position.

Wage: $28.140 plus applicable shift differential Shifts at NRC – All shifts will be a combination of 8- and 12-hour shifts 8 Hour Shifts: 1st Shift (6:45am - 3:15pm), 2nd Shift (2:45pm - 11:15pm), and 3rd Shift (11:00pm-7:00am). 12 Hour Shifts: 7am-7pm, 11am-11pm, 7pm-7 am On-Call Requirements 32 hours (minimum) per month, 16 hours have to be weekend hours (2:45pm Fridays - 7:00am Mondays) Schedules will be discussed in more details at time of interview. Training Hours: Week 1: Mon 8am – 5pm – Tues-Fri 6:45 – 3:15 Weeks 2 & 3: Monday–Friday: 6:45 AM–3:15 PM Weeks 4 & 5: Mentor Program Hours will vary to accommodate the mentor's schedule. Week 6: Make-up time for any missed training hours.

Job Duties:

• As a Mental Health Specialist, you will play a vital role in the care of patients at Lincoln Regional Center to include:
• Monitors the safety and security of patients within assigned unit.
• Assists with security procedures such as patient searches, room searches, and safety checks of the environment.
• Interacts with patients in care to instruct, orient and assist patients with program goals; report and/or document care delivery and observations.
• Monitors and provides assistance with activities of daily living including feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting and other personal hygiene activities.
• Maintains safe and sanitary environment by performing laundry, housekeeping, and infections control standards.
• Recognizes emergency or crisis situations and intervenes as necessary utilizing appropriate behavioral interventional programs, verbal de-escalation techniques, and/or provide physical intervention that includes restraining patients. React in a calm, professional manner to support patients. Maintains a positive attitude with patients served and staff.
• Administer medication or first aid treatment, including lifesaving procedures.
• Lifts and repositions patients.
• Escorts and transports patients to appointments and activities inside or outside the facility.
• Objectively documents information related to patient care and activities. Uses computer programs to document and record patient data.
• Attends required in-service education and staff meetings related to continued employment and skill development.
• Participate in team meetings and activities.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Be at least 19 years of age to work with adult client populations; be at least 21 years of age to work with adolescent client populations. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or more of combined experience or education in human services, behavioral health, healthcare, corrections, direct support, or customer service in a healthcare, human services, or other care-focused setting.
• Experience working with individuals who may have behavioral, mental health, medical, or other support needs, with the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging or crisis situations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, document information accurately, follow safety and security procedures, and work collaboratively as part of a team.

Other:

• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to assist in lifting 50 + pounds
• Maintain CPR and required certifications
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, overtime, and emergency call-back
• Willingness to work in a secure environment with high-acuity patients

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of: Safety and security measures required in the care of mentally ill patients; techniques for caring for physically and/or mentally ill patients; principles and methods for maintaining a therapeutic environment.

Skill in: Listening and understanding; communicating effectively and appropriately for the intended audience while supporting patients' activities of daily living.

Ability to: Complete required courses and competency evaluations; interpret and follow all policies; provide quality daily patient care; make decisions and act quickly in situations involving patient care or safety; use computer programs to document patient care information; count accurately and record numerical and alphabetical data; implement written treatment and training plans with appropriate documentation; communicate effectively with coworkers, management, and patients; observe, recognize, and report on physical status; offer support to less experienced staff; stand for extended periods; work regularly scheduled shifts with predictable attendance; and work overtime, up to and including entire shifts.

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.