Mental Health Worker

The Toughest Job You Will Ever Love.

Make a difference. Build relationships. Help youth discover what theyre capable of.

Starting Pay: $19.21–$21.62 per hour | Wage Advancement Opportunities

Schedule: Afternoon/Evening Shifts with weekend coverage required, 5 shifts per week with 2 weekdays off.

Why This Job Matters

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Mental Health Workers do far more than supervise youth. They serve as mentors, role models, coaches, advocates, and trusted adults for children and adolescents receiving residential treatment services. Like the old commercial said, this is the toughest job you will ever love.

What Makes This Opportunity Worth It?

- Competitive starting pay: $19.21–$21.62 per hour, based on education and relevant experience.

- Wage acceleration: Eligible for wage increases at 90 days, 6 months, and annually thereafter , based on your hire date.

- Room to grow: An 11-step pay schedule, ongoing training, and opportunities for advancement.

- Work that matters: Build meaningful relationships and help youth develop skills they can use throughout their lives.

- A supportive team: Work alongside caring people who share a commitment to youth, families, and our mission.

What Does a Mental Health Worker Do?

What You Will Do

Build positive relationships, provide supervision, facilitate activities, teach life skills, support treatment plans, document observations, maintain a safe environment, and help youth navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

A Look at Success

One of our Mental Health Workers shows what this role can look like at its best. Known for bringing humor, connection, flexibility, and respect to his work, he helps youth feel valued while supporting their growth. Youth frequently identify him as one of their favorite staff members—not because he has all the answers, but because he consistently shows up, listens, and genuinely cares.

Thats the kind of impact we believe in. You dont have to be perfect, have all the answers, or fix every problem. You do need to be willing to build trust, stay consistent, and keep showing up.

A Little Honesty

Some days you may help a youth achieve a major breakthrough. Other days you may spend 15 minutes discussing why wearing shoes is important. Both days matter. The victories are real, the work is meaningful, and the impact lasts a lifetime.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

- Be at least 21 years old.

- Have a high school diploma or GED.

- Successfully pass required criminal background and child abuse registry clearances in accordance with Montana requirements.

Skills and qualities that matter:

- Empathy and compassion: You recognize that challenging behavior can be a sign of a young person struggling, and you respond with care and appropriate support.

- Communication and relationship-building: You can listen, communicate clearly, collaborate with others, and navigate difficult conversations respectfully.

- Professional boundaries: You understand the importance of confidentiality, ethical conduct, and maintaining appropriate relationships with youth and families.

- Attention to detail: You can complete accurate documentation and follow treatment plans, procedures, and safety expectations.

- Reliability and initiative: You follow through, stay engaged, think ahead, and take responsibility for your work.

- Team-first thinking: You understand that success is shared. You support your colleagues and put the needs of youth and the team ahead of individual recognition.

- Flexibility and a sense of humor: You can adapt when plans change, remain calm during challenging moments, and recognize that sometimes a little appropriate humor can help build connection.

Ready to Make a Difference?

You don't need to have every answer. You need a willingness to learn, a commitment to showing up, and a genuine desire to help young people discover their strengths.

If you can bring compassion, consistency, teamwork, and a little humor to the hard days and the good ones, we encourage you to apply.