Mental Health Specialist (Night Shift)

Mental Health Emergency Center - Lufkin, TX
Position #: P180

About the Role

Burke is seeking a dependable and compassionate Mental Health Specialist to join our Mental Health Emergency Center on the night shift. This position supports adults experiencing mental health crises within our Extended Observation and Crisis Residential Units, which operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The primary responsibility of this position is answering phones and dispatching assessors to ensure timely and appropriate response to mental health emergencies. In addition, the Mental Health Specialist helps maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for clients.

This role is well suited for individuals interested in mental health, social services, or healthcare who are seeking hands-on experience in a crisis care setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls and dispatch assessors as the primary function of the role

• Provide safety monitoring of adults with acute mental health needs

• Intervene appropriately to help prevent escalation of behaviors

• Support and encourage client engagement in treatment services

• Prompt, supervise, and assist clients with activities of daily living

• Observe, document, and report client behaviors and conditions

• Transport clients to community medical services when necessary

• Perform all duties in accordance with Burke and Medicaid standards

The Mental Health Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Charge Nurse and the general supervision of the Clinical Nurse Coordinator.

What We're Looking For

• Emotional maturity, flexibility, and strong verbal communication skills

• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols

Education

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

• Preferred: Experience working with adults with mental illness

Licenses & Certifications

• Required: Valid Texas driver's license with an insurable driving record

Additional Requirements

• Ability to complete required training, including:

  • Satori Alternative to Managing Aggression (SAMA)

  • CPR and First Aid

  • Defensive Driving and Van Driving

• Reliable transportation required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to see, hear, speak, walk, and drive

• Lift up to 50 pounds

• Hand and finger dexterity required

Schedule

• 12-hour overnight shifts: 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

• 7 shifts every 14 days

• Rotating weekends and holidays required

Salary

• $30,076 annually