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Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Norfolk, NE

Hiring Rate:

$28.140

Job Posting:

JR2026-00027333 Mental Health Specialist Norfolk Regional Center (Evergreen) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

06-29-2026

Job Description:

We are hiring Mental Health Specialist at the Norfolk Regional Center

About 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.

Make a Difference in a Structured, Secure Care Environment

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.

**Important Information: Read Carefully

**A high school diploma (or equivalent) and a valid driver’s license are required for this role.

**Application Requirement:
To be considered for this position, you MUST list if you possess a high school diploma or equivalent on your application.

What we Offer:
• 156% state-matched retirement contribution
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• 79% employer-paid health insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance
• Career growth opportunities

Wage: $27.320/hour, plus shift differential pay for 2nd and 3rd shifts.
NOTE: Wage as of 7/1/2026 will be $28.140.

Shifts at NRC
1st Shift (6:45am - 3:15pm), 2nd Shift (2:45pm - 11:15pm), and 3rd Shift (11:00pm-7:00am). Will work a combination of 12 and 8 Hour Shifts.

On-Call Requirements
32 hours (minimum) per month, 16 hours have to be weekend hours (2:45pm Fridays - 7:00am Mondays), and you must work 1 major holiday per year.

Schedules will be discussed in more details at time of interview.

Training Hours:
Week 1: New Hire Orientation (NEO)
Monday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday/Wednesday: 6:45 AM–3:15 PM
Weeks 2 & 3: Mental Health Specialist Orientation
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.

 

What You’ll Do:

All Mental Health Specialists

• Provide direct patient care, supervision, and support
• Monitor behavior and maintain a safe, secure environment
• Assist with activities of daily living and structured routines
• Lead or support group activities and programming
• Observe, document, and report patient behavior and progress
• Support admissions and other unit operations

Work Environment & Expectations

• Secure inpatient hospital setting
• Hands-on role requiring active engagement with patients
• May include physically demanding tasks (lifting, standing, assisting patients)
• Requires strong communication, awareness, and the ability to respond quickly in dynamic situations

 

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 or more years of education or experience in human services, related field, or stable experience in customer service or military service involving direct or indirect work with others.

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.

 

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

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.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

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.