Mental Health Emergency Center - Lufkin, TX
Position Number: P #159
Burke is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to join our Mental Health Emergency Center in Lufkin, TX. This position provides direct support and safety monitoring for adults experiencing acute mental health crises within our Extended Observation and Crisis Residential Units, which operate 24/7.
This role is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, criminal justice, or other behavioral health fields who are seeking meaningful, hands-on clinical experience.
The Mental Health Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Charge Nurse and general supervision of the Psychiatric Nurse Manager.
Provide continuous safety monitoring of acutely mentally ill adults
Intervene therapeutically to prevent client escalation
Facilitate client engagement in treatment services
Prompt, supervise, and assist clients with activities of daily living
Observe, document, and report client behaviors and conditions
Maintain a therapeutic and structured environment
Transport clients to medical services in the community as needed
Deliver services in compliance with Center policies and Medicaid standards
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Licensure:
Valid Texas driver's license
Driving record must be insurable under Burke's insurance policy
Reliable transportation required
Experience working with adults with mental illness
Emotional maturity and professional boundaries
Self-discipline and reliability
Flexibility in a fast-paced crisis environment
Strong verbal communication skills
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Must be physically able to complete all required training, including:
Satori Alternative to Managing Aggression (SAMA)
CPR
First Aid
Defensive Driving
Van Driving
Additional required training modules
Sight, hearing, and verbal communication abilities
Walking and standing for extended periods
Lifting up to 50 pounds
Driving a vehicle
Hand and finger dexterity
12-hour shifts: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
7 shifts every 14 days
Rotating weekends and holidays required
$29,228 annually
This position offers valuable frontline behavioral health experience within a structured clinical environment. Team members gain crisis intervention skills, documentation experience, and interdisciplinary exposure that strongly supports graduate school and healthcare career pathways.