Mental Health Worker - Relief

Starting Pay: $18.12–$20.39/hour (based on education & experience)

Schedule: Flexible relief shifts — evenings, weekends & holidays as needed

Minimum Commitment: 8 hours per month

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), our mission is to provide hope and healing to youth facing emotional and behavioral challenges. As a Relief Mental Health Worker
, you’ll play a meaningful role in that mission—stepping in to support staff coverage, build healthy relationships with youth, and contribute to a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment.

Whether you’re exploring the mental health field, looking to grow your experience, or want a flexible way to make an impact, this role lets you do valuable work while choosing shifts that fit your life.

• Help create and maintain a positive, safe, and therapeutic environment for youth.
• Supervise, mentor, and support adolescents in daily activities, recreation, and skill-building.
• Teach coping strategies, life skills, and healthy communication.
• Assist with treatment programming and provide timely documentation.
• Maintain regular communication with families and partnering agencies.
• Lead or support psycho-educational groups that promote growth and life skills.
• Collaborate with treatment teams and contribute to agency goals and outcomes.
• Model YBGR’s mission, values, professionalism, and culture of respect.
• Participate in ongoing training and coaching to strengthen your skills.
• Support daily operations while upholding all safety and organizational policies.

• Are reliable, compassionate, and motivated to help youth succeed.
• Bring strong values, integrity, and a desire to serve as a positive role model.
• Can maintain professionalism and teamwork in high-energy environments.
• Are comfortable working with youth who have complex emotional and behavioral needs.
• Are committed to trauma-informed care and continuous learning.

• Work a minimum of 8 hours of direct care each month (training hours do not count toward this requirement).
• Communicate monthly with the YBGR scheduler about your availability.

Working at YBGR means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening families. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in behavioral health, education, and residential care—while making a lasting impact on the kids who need it most.

• 21 years old or older
• Criminal / Child Abuse Clearance:
  Must pass criminal record and child abuse registry background check as required by the State of Montana.
• High School Diploma or GED

• Strong Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to build rapport and maintain healthy boundaries with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective Communication:
  Clear verbal and written communication, including active listening and de-escalation skills.
• Emotional Resilience:
  Ability to manage stress, remain calm under pressure, and model healthy coping skills for youth.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Willingness to work closely with a multidisciplinary team including therapists, supervisors, and other direct care staff.
• Problem Solving:
  Sound judgment and critical thinking in responding to crisis situations or behavioral challenges.
• Adaptability:
  Flexibility to work varying shifts and respond to the dynamic needs of a residential treatment environment.
• Behavior Management:
  Familiarity with or willingness to learn trauma-informed behavior intervention strategies.
• Cultural Competence:
  Sensitivity and understanding of how cultural, racial, gender, and socioeconomic factors affect youth behavior and treatment.
• Empathy and Compassion:
  Ability to empathize with the struggles and emotions of youth experiencing mental…