SED Wavier Mental Health Assistant (MHA)

Position Title: SED Waiver Mental Health Assistant (MHA)

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Program Assignment: SED Waiver – Community-Based Services

Assignment Location: 710 N. Broadway

Scheduled Hours: Part-time position

Supervised by: Program Coordinator / Director of Children’s Services

Position Description

The SED Waiver Mental Health Assistant provides goal-directed, individualized supports to children enrolled in the Kansas SED Waiver program and their families. Services are delivered in community-based and home settings and are designed to support the child’s emotional and behavioral stability while reducing caregiver stress and preventing out-of-home placement disruption.

This position primarily provides respite services to guardians of children on the SED Waiver. Respite services are therapeutic in nature and are intended to give both the child and caregiver a structured, supportive break from one another in order to reduce escalation, improve family functioning, and promote long-term placement stability.

The SED Waiver MHA implements skill-building, supervision, and supportive interventions in alignment with the child’s individualized treatment plan. Services focus on improving emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, and daily functioning while reinforcing consistency, safety, and routine.

Unlike Children’s Crisis Services, this position does not primarily respond to acute psychiatric crises. Instead, services are planned, preventative, and maintenance-focused, supporting families outside of crisis situations to reduce the likelihood of future crises.

The SED Waiver MHA works under the direction of senior clinical staff and collaborates with families, case managers, and treatment teams to ensure services are effective, appropriate, and goal oriented.

Credential and Experience Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Pass pre-employment background checks
• Pass TB screening
• Certification in the State of Kansas to provide SED Waiver services is required
• Experience working with children with serious emotional disturbance or behavioral health needs preferred

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to engage children therapeutically in non-crisis, community-based settings
• Strong supervision, boundary-setting, and behavioral support skills
• Ability to implement structured activities and maintain consistency
• Effective communication with children, families, and clinical staff
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in challenging situations
• Certification in Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) required
• MOAB training includes controlled movements, body positioning, and the ability to perform physical holds and restraint techniques when necessary
• Training provided by CMHC