Mental Health Specialist
Position Overview
The Austen Riggs Center, a leader in psychodynamic residential treatment for more than 100 years, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team. Together, we help adults with complex psychiatric conditions reclaim their lives through individualized care, meaningful relationships, and active participation in a therapeutic community.
As a member of the 24/7 nursing department, the Mental Health Specialist is an active participant in the therapeutic milieu and collaborates closely with nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, substance use counselors, and patients. In our open setting, relationships take the place of restrictions and locks. The Mental Health Specialist builds supportive relationships grounded in respect for each patient’s agency, collaboration on treatment goals, and modeling of prosocial engagement within the community.
Through sustained engagement with patients, the Mental Health Specialist develops a deeper understanding of each person’s treatment journey and helps foster resilience, self-reflection, adaptive functioning, and interpersonal growth.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant work experience will be considered.
- Experience in a hospital or related mental health setting required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Awareness of and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, identity, and ethnicity.
- Ability to maintain concentration despite interruptions.
- Ability to tolerate anxiety and remain reflective under stress.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and electronic health record systems.
- Training and Schedule
- CPR, nonviolent crisis intervention, and defibrillator training required or provided as appropriate.
- Flexibility to work day and evening shifts, occasional night shifts, weekends, and extended shifts.
- Physical stamina to meet the demands of evening, night, extended-shift, and weekend work.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Disability and life insurance
- Flexible Spending Account and Health Reimbursement Account
- Generous paid time off, an Extended Illness Bank, and 12 paid holidays
- 403(b) retirement plan with a generous employer contribution
- Night and weekend shift differentials
- Tuition reimbursement
- On-site library
- Employee assistance program
- A workplace committed to zero tolerance for violence