Mental Health Specialist Lincoln Regional Center

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Health & Human Services - Agency 25Location: Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$28.140Job Posting:JR2026-00027322 Mental Health Specialist Lincoln Regional Center (Evergreen) (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):Job Description:Are you looking for meaningful work where you can make a difference every day?Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) is a 24-hour, state-operated psychiatric hospital that provides specialized inpatient treatment and recovery-focused services for adults experiencing serious mental health conditions. As a secure healthcare facility, LRC offers around-the-clock care, support, and supervision in a structured therapeutic environment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to promote patient safety, recovery, skill development, and successful community reintegration. We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Mental Health Specialists. In this role, you will work directly with adults receiving psychiatric treatment, helping them achieve recovery goals while maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment.Whether you have experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services, corrections, direct support, or customer service, we encourage you to apply.Application Requirement (Please Read Carefully)To be considered for this position, applicants must include their high school diploma or GED completion in the education section of the application. Applications missing this information may be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed.Why Join Lincoln Regional Center?At LRC, you'll be part of a team dedicated to helping Nebraskans experiencing serious mental health challenges regain stability and independence.Benefits Include:• 156% state retirement match• 13 paid holidays annually• Generous vacation and sick leave• Tuition reimbursement• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility• 79% employer-paid health insurance• Dental and vision insurance• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy• Opportunities for advancement and career growthWage: $27.320 plus shift differentialNEW WAGE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026 $28.140Shifts at LRC1st 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:On-Call: Requires working 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.Dress Code:3 sets of scrubs will be furnished by LRC to all Full-Time Mental Health Specialists. Job Duties:As a Mental Health Specialist, you will play a vital role in the care of patients at Lincoln Regional Center to include:Monitors the safety and security of patients within assigned unit.Assists with security procedures such as patient searches, room searches, and safety checks of the environment.Interacts with patients in care to instruct, orient and assist patients with program goals; report and/or document care delivery and observations.Monitors and provides assistance with activities of daily living including, feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting and other personal hygiene activities.Maintains safe and sanitary environment by performing laundry, housekeeping, and infections control standards.Recognizes emergency or crisis situations and intervenes as necessary utilizing appropriate behavioral interventional programs, verbal de-escalation techniques, and/or provide physical intervention that includes restraining patients.  React in a calm, professional manner to support patients. Maintains a positive attitude with patients served and staff.Administer medication or first aid treatment, including lifesaving procedures.Lifts and repositions patients.Escorts and transports patients to appointments and activities inside or outside the facility.Objectively documents information related to patient care and activities.  Uses computer programs to document and record patient data.Attends required in-service education and staff meetings related to continued employment and skill development.Participates in team meetings and activities. Requirements/QualificationsMinimum 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. You must possess a high school diploma or equivalent education.Preferred Qualifications: One year or more combined experience or education in human services, related field, customer service, or military service.Other: Must have a valid driver's license. This position requires proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language effectively. State agencies are responsible to evaluate each of their positions to determine their individual overtime eligibility status as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Incumbents are required to work regularly scheduled shifts with predictable attendance and 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, etc.) Positions classified to this class may be exposed to infectious waste, communicable diseases, and blood and airborne pathogens such as TB, HIV and Hepatitis. May work with potentially dangerous patients. May be Required to acquire and maintain a Medication Aide certification. Must maintain an active Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, (CPR) certification, and behavioral intervention certification courses for facility requirements. Positions in this class may require an employee to possess a valid driver’s license and provide a passenger vehicle with adequate liability insurance.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesKnowledge of: safety and security measures required in the care of mentally ill patients; techniques of caring for physically and/or mentally ill p