Mental Health Specialist 1 / Behavior Tech / DSP - job 1 of 3

As a Mental Health Specialist 1 at Dungarvin, your primary responsibilities include providing hands-on assistance with daily living tasks, ensuring the comfort and safety of the individuals you support, and actively mentoring and encouraging personal growth. You’ll work on building relationships with individuals served, attend community events, and document their progress, all while tailoring your approach to fit the unique needs of each person.

To qualify for the Mental Health Specialist 1 position at Dungarvin, you must be at least 18 years old (with some roles requiring 21 years), have a minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with challenging behaviors or mental health concerns, and possess a valid driver's license with auto liability insurance. Experience with intellectual or developmental disabilities is preferred.

Dungarvin offers a comprehensive benefits package for Mental Health Specialists, which includes competitive wages starting at $20 per hour, a $1000 retention bonus, medical, vision, and dental insurance for full-time employees, flexible spending and HSA accounts, pet insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Additional perks include paid time off, support for further development, and mileage reimbursement.

Dungarvin is committed to the ongoing development of its employees. As a Mental Health Specialist 1, you will benefit from a dedicated training department that provides paid training to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge. This includes understanding behavioral guidance plans and person-centered practices relevant to your role.

Yes, Dungarvin offers flexible scheduling for the Mental Health Specialist 1 position, providing options for both full-time and part-time work. Be prepared for a mixture of weekday and weekend hours, including some holidays, as you support individuals in a variety of settings.

When faced with aggressive behavior, it's important to stay calm and assess the situation. Use nonviolent communication techniques to de-escalate the situation, ensuring the safety of both the individual and yourself. Describe your understanding of the person's triggers and how you've handled similar scenarios in the past to show your capability.

Provide a specific instance where you worked with an individual to set achievable goals. Discuss the steps you took together, any methods or strategies you implemented, and the eventual success or progress made. This illustrates your commitment to empowering individuals in their personal journeys.

Highlight qualities like compassion, patience, strong communication skills, and a solid understanding of mental health challenges. Explain why these traits are important in supporting individuals with disabilities and how they contribute to creating a supportive environment.

Discuss the importance of trust and open communication when building relationships. Share techniques you’ve used in past experiences to engage with individuals and their families, and the positive outcomes these relationships have created.

Talk about your familiarity with documentation systems and the importance of accurate reporting in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to keep detailed records of daily activities, progress, and any behavioral incidents, which is crucial for maintaining consistent support.

Emphasize the protocols you follow to ensure a safe environment for individuals, including risk assessment and knowing when to intervene effectively. Mention specific practices you implement to mitigate risks and promote safety.

Discuss methods for engaging individuals in community-based activities, such as addressing their interests and how you would involve them in planning. This illustrates your commitment to fostering social connections and personal empowerment.

Acknowledge the importance of self-awareness and actively reflecting on one's biases. Explain how you practice respectful and impartial support, keeping the focus on the needs and rights of the individuals you serve.

Convey the significance of team accountability and the proper channels for addressing concerns. Explain how you would approach the peer in a constructive manner, and if necessary, escalate the issue to a supervisor.

Share your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, highlighting Dungarvin's commitment to person-centered practices. Express your enthusiasm for joining a team dedicated to empowerment and progressive care.