Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 19 years of age to work with adult client populations and 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, or stable experience in customer service or military service involving direct or indirect work with others. Experience with behavioral intervention programs, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques. Experience working with a diverse population.

Other: Valid driver’s license. Ability to repeatedly lift 50–200 pounds unassisted. This position requires proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively. State agencies are responsible for evaluating each position to determine overtime eligibility status as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Incumbents are required to work regularly scheduled shifts with predictable attendance and may be required to work overtime, up to and including entire shifts. These positions are subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster situations). Positions classified in this role may be exposed to infectious waste, communicable diseases, and bloodborne and airborne pathogens such as TB, HIV, and hepatitis. Employees may work with potentially dangerous patients. May be required to acquire and maintain a Medication Aide certification. Must maintain active Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification and behavioral intervention certification as required by the facility. Positions in this class may require employees to possess a valid driver’s license and provide a passenger vehicle with adequate liability insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
(These are required to perform the work assigned.)

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.