Mental Health Specialist (NRC)

Company: State of Nebraska
Location: Norfolk
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Norfolk, NE Hiring Rate: $27.320 Job Posting: JR2026-00022420 Mental Health Specialist (NRC) (Evergreen) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): Job Description: The Norfolk Regional Center is Phase I of the Nebraska Sex Offender Treatment Program. The Sex Offender Treatment Program serves patients who have completed their criminal sentence but have been deemed at high risk to sexually re-offend if outside an inpatient treatment facility. The Mental Health Specialist is a full performance-level position in which incumbents perform the full range of care and monitoring of patients in a secure hospital environment under direct supervision, as prescribed by standards and procedures. The full range of duties may include organizing or leading group patient activities, providing input into treatment plans, supporting admissions, assisting with activities of daily living, and performing other duties as assigned. Job Duties: Monitor the safety and security of patients within the assigned unit. Assist with security procedures such as patient searches, room searches, and environmental safety checks. Interact with patients in care to instruct, orient, and assist patients with program goals; report and/or document care delivery and observations. Lift and reposition patients. Encourage participation and input into treatment plans. Model appropriate interactions. Transport patients to appointments and activities inside or outside the facility, using a state vehicle, as required. Shift: First shift (6:45 AM–3:15 PM), second shift (2:45 PM–11:15 PM), and third shift (11:00 PM–7:00 AM). Twelve-hour shifts are also available. On-Call/PRN positions require working a minimum of 16 weekend hours per month (11:00 PM Friday through 7:00 AM Monday). Additional hours may be available for On-Call/PRN staff. Shift availability will be discussed at the time of interview. Hiring Rate: $27.32 per hour, plus shift differential pay for second and third shifts. 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. 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. 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.htmlbenefits 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.

Keywords: State of Nebraska, Sioux City , Mental Health Specialist (NRC), Healthcare , Norfolk, Iowa