Mental Health Support Specialist

Are you ready to join a respected community agency in Billings with over 45 years of dedicated service?

We are hiring: Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS)

Starting Wage

• Salary: $23.00-$25.00/hour, DOE.  

Job Type

• Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule

• Standard Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday; Rotating after-hours on-call. Flexibility needed at times to align with team needs.

Training

• Orientation: Alternatives provides thorough orientation and training for all new staff. You can expect a one-week orientation, where you will learn all about Alternatives and be prepared for your role. This first week is scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM at our Alternatives Training Center.

To be a successful Mental Health Support Specialist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of two years in counseling or mental health support.
• Skills:
  • Good writing and verbal communication.
  • Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
  • Experience in records management.
  • Basic computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products.
• Licenses: Valid Montana Driver's License.
• Compliance:
  • Ability to pass state and federal background checks.
  • Ability to pass drug test requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensure: Valid Montana license in scope of practice (e.g., LCPC or LCSW), or certifiable.
• Experience:
  • Working with offenders or in a residential treatment facility.
  • Two years in social services in a counseling or case management position.

Staff Skills and Values:

• Strong support for offender treatment and belief in behavioral change.
• Empathy, fairness, and problem-solving abilities.
• Non-confrontational but firm approach.
• Relevant life experiences and prior training or licensure.
   

About the Mental Health Team:

The Mental Health Support team at Passages. is led by an experienced Clinical Mental Health Lead, who holds Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensure. The team is supported by other Mental Health Support Specialists who are licensed in addictions (LAC) and/or mental health (LCPC/LCSW).
Together, they form a cohesive and dedicated team, driven to help clients and support the mental health needs of Passages residents. Their combined expertise and collaborative approach ensure that residents receive comprehensive care and guidance, fostering a supportive environment for rehabilitation and personal growth.
They look forward to having you on their team, soon!

What Will You Do in This Position?

The Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS) at Alternatives, Inc. is responsible for providing crisis intervention, conducting mental health assessments, and monitoring the ongoing mental health needs of residential clients. They coordinate with the mental health team to address residents' needs, assist in scheduling appointments, and develop individualized case plans. The MHSS also makes referrals to social services and medical resources, documents significant issues and progress, and ensures compliance with program procedures. Flexibility in work hours and on-call availability are required, along with strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to handle stressful situations effectively.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 30+ hours per week, starting the first of the month, after 60 days of employment:

• Medical: Employer pays $492.00 toward employee coverage. Additional plans for children and family are available at employee cost.
• Dental: Employer pays 100% of employee-only coverage. Affordable coverage for children and families is available at employee cost.
• Vision: Affordable plans are available for employees, children, and families at a low cost.
• Life Insurance: The agency provides a $25,000 coverage plan for all benefit-eligible employees. Supplemental life insurance plans are available at employee cost.
• Short-and-Long-term Disability: 100% employer-paid coverage for employees.
• 401k/Retirement Plan: Employees are eligible for 401k contributions after one year of employment and 1,000 hours worked. Employer profit sharing is eligible annually, based on board approval.
• AFLAC: Supplemental plans are available to employees and their families at employee cost.

PTO

• Accrual: Start accruing PTO from your first paycheck. Full-time (40-hour) employees with 0-2 years of employment accrue 4.65 hours per pay period, totaling 15 days a year.
• Increased Accrual with Tenure: Accrual rates increase at 3 years, 5 years, and every subsequent 5-year mark, up to 25+ years.
• Pro Rata Basis: Accrual rates for employees working 20-30 hours per week are on a pro rata basis.

Paid Holidays

• Full-Time Employees: Enjoy 11 paid holidays.
• Part-Time Employees: Employees working 20-30 hours per week also receive paid holidays on a pro rata basis.

Here are some fantastic perks of working with us:

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Alternatives is a PSLF-approved employer, so you can get your student loans forgiven by working for a non-profit.
• Scholarship Program: After one year of service, you can take advantage of our scholarship program to complete your degree, get specialized training, or earn a certification.
• Birthday Lunch: Celebrate your birthday with a $15.00 lunch allowance! It's a great chance to enjoy a meal with coworkers and meet other team members you might not see regularly.
• Career Growth: We love to promote from within! Many of our team members have grown into new roles, and we have impressive longevity in our staff. Our CEO has been with us for over 40 years, and many others have been here for 10+ years.