Petra always knew she wanted to pursue a career that involved helping people. After studying nursing for a semester, and realizing that it wasn’t for her, she discovered that her calling as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community, or MHRT-C, was the perfect fit.
“I love getting to be a part of people moving forward in their lives. I get
to see people believe in themselves again.”
In that role, she works with individuals living with serious and persistent mental illness, helping them access support services in the community. That might include a wide range of tasks on any given day, from helping clients connect with food and childcare resources, to helping them enroll in college classes.
“I love getting to be a part of people moving forward in their lives,” she says. “I get to see people believe in themselves again.”
Petra is a part of the growing field of Behavioral Health, ensuring that Mainers with behavioral health needs have the support they need to stay safe, independent and empowered to achieve their personal goals. There are thousands of openings with providers throughout the state.
In addition to the rewarding nature of the work, Petra appreciates having flexibility with time to be there for her husband and two young children.
“I have a lot of control over my schedule,” she says. “I really do get to enjoy my kids’ childhood.”
Emily became a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician-I, or MHRT-I, shortly after getting her associate’s degree and her son was diagnosed with autism. “I wanted to be prepared to meet his needs and be as knowledgeable as possible,” she said.
The position, working with individuals with serious mental illness in supported residential settings, turned out to be a gateway to a new path that she never could have imagined. Emily went on to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, get her Doctorate in Social Work and teach college classes, all as a mother of three. Today, as the Principal Investigator for Behavioral Health Workforce Initiatives at the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine, Emily oversees MHRT related certifications and training initiatives across the state. As she reflects on her path, she sees her time as an MHRT-I as pivotal.
“It helped me truly understand the profound impact behavioral health work could have, not only on the clients I served, but also on my own sense of purpose and fulfillment,” she says. “To be able to see people have those lightbulb moments, really discover who they are and witness their resilience; it’s amazing.”
To learn more about full-time, part-time and per diem opportunities in your community, go to Mainecareerswithpurpose.org. Follow @MaineCareerswithPurpose on Facebook and Instagram.
