In-Community Supports - Mental Health Specialist II - job 4 of 7

As an In-Community Supports - Mental Health Specialist II at Dungarvin, your main responsibilities involve providing direct care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental health diagnoses. You will assist in daily living tasks, offer encouragement and mentoring, facilitate community engagement, and document progress. Your role is crucial as you ensure the safety and personal growth of the individuals we serve, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest.

To qualify for the In-Community Supports - Mental Health Specialist II position at Dungarvin, you must be at least 18 years old, with a preference for candidates over 21 when working in child foster care. The role requires a minimum of three years of experience with individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors. While experience with mental health is preferred, having a compassionate approach and a valid driver's license are essential to succeed in this role.

Dungarvin offers comprehensive training for all In-Community Supports - Mental Health Specialist II employees. This includes paid training opportunities, ensuring that you are well-prepared to meet the needs of the individuals you support. Our dedicated training department focuses on providing the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in your role and provides ongoing support for your professional development.

While direct experience in mental health is preferred for the In-Community Supports - Mental Health Specialist II position at Dungarvin, we also value diverse backgrounds and life experiences. A combination of personal passion for helping others and prior experience with individuals with disabilities will equip you to succeed. Regardless of your background, your willingness to learn and support individuals with compassion is what truly matters.

As an employee in the In-Community Supports - Mental Health Specialist II role at Dungarvin, you will enjoy a range of benefits such as medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees, a 401 K plan, paid time off accrual, and opportunities for growth and development. We also offer unique perks like pet insurance and an employee referral program, reflecting our commitment to supporting our staff both personally and professionally.

When discussing your experience, highlight specific roles where you've supported individuals with disabilities. Include examples of challenges faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your compassion and adaptability. Emphasize any relevant training or certifications that prepared you for such responsibilities.

Explain your approach to managing challenging behaviors. Use specific examples to illustrate strategies you employed, such as positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, or communication methods that effectively addressed those behaviors, demonstrating your conflict resolution skills.

Articulate your understanding of person-centered care by referring to putting the individual's needs, preferences, and dreams at the forefront of care. Provide examples of how you've implemented this philosophy in past roles, emphasizing the importance of respect and communication.

Discuss the importance of creating a safe environment, including risk assessments and creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages clients to express their needs and concerns. Provide insights into how your past experiences have prepared you for maintaining safety effectively.

Talk about your approach to relationship-building, which could include regular communication, being present, and actively engaging in shared activities. Share examples of how you successfully fostered trust in your previous roles.

Explain your process for keeping accurate and timely records. Highlight the importance of documentation in tracking progress and maintaining compliance with agency guidelines, while also discussing any tools you’re familiar with for efficient documentation.

Share ideas about how you can facilitate client involvement in meaningful community activities. Mention individual interests and how to tailor participation to foster engagement, ensuring that each client feels valued and included.

Describe a specific instance where you assisted an individual in reaching a goal. Discuss the steps you took, any obstacles encountered, and the positive impact on the individual's life, showcasing your ability to make a difference.

Discuss your mindset and coping strategies when faced with difficult situations. Highlight your commitment to the individuals you support and how their successes motivate you to continue pushing through challenges.

Convey your passion for the role by discussing the rewarding moments you’ve experienced, such as seeing clients make progress, building lasting relationships, or simply knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. Be genuine and personal in your response.