Mental Health Specialist

Location: Mental Health Emergency Center | Lufkin, TX
Position Number: P#160
Compensation: $29,228 annually

Burke is seeking a dependable and compassionate Mental Health Specialist to join our Mental Health Emergency Center team in Lufkin. This position provides safety monitoring and direct support to adults receiving services on the Extended Observation and Crisis Residential Units, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Mental Health Specialist helps maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing acute mental health needs. Responsibilities include monitoring individuals, assisting with activities of daily living, supporting engagement in treatment, intervening when necessary to prevent escalation, and observing, documenting, and reporting changes in condition or behavior.

This position works under the direct supervision of the charge nurse and general supervision of the Crisis Program Director.

• Monitor adults experiencing acute mental health needs and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Observe individuals and document and report changes in condition or behavior.
• Intervene when necessary to help prevent or de-escalate escalating situations.
• Encourage and support individuals in engaging in treatment services.
• Prompt, supervise, and assist individuals with basic activities of daily living.
• Provide safety monitoring on the Extended Observation and Crisis Residential Units.
• Transport individuals to medical services in the community when necessary.
• Provide services in accordance with Burke and Medicaid standards and requirements.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff and other members of the treatment team.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional maturity, self-discipline, flexibility, and effective verbal communication skills.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Driving record that meets Burke's insurance requirements.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to successfully complete Satori Alternatives to Managing Aggression (SAMA), CPR, First Aid, Defensive Driving, Van Driving, and other required training.

• Experience working with adults with mental illness.

• Day shift: 7:00 a.m.
  
  - 7:00 p.m.
• Twelve (12)-hour shifts.
• Seven (7) shifts every 14 days.
• Weekend and holiday shifts are required on a rotating basis.
• The Extended Observation and Crisis Residential Units operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Eligible full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk as required throughout the workday.
• Ability to drive a vehicle as required for job responsibilities.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient to perform required job duties and operate necessary equipment.

Burke is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic unless such characteristic is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Applicants must provide proof of identity and employment authorization as part of the hiring process. Final candidates are subject to background and driving record checks as part of Burke's pre-employment screening process.