Forensic Behavioral Health Program Specialist 1 (County MH Program Specialist 1) (Local Govt.)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; New Stanton (Westmoreland County); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmoreland County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS) is seeking a Forensic Program Specialist 1 to support individuals with mental health needs moving through the criminal justice system. The role focuses on coordinating services, education, and resource identification to improve stability and quality of life.

The position offers a full-time schedule with hours 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, and potential telework up to two days per week after six months of probation with

Qualifications

• Two years of professional level experience in the mental health field and a bachelor’s degree.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with mental health needs through education, planning, and resource identification.
• Develop strategies that address challenges for people moving through the criminal justice system.
• Work with courts, crisis services, probation, providers, and other partners to explore diversion options.
• Maintain an updated list of services including treatment, housing, vocational supports, transportation, and other needs.
• Record service contacts and case details in a clear and timely manner.
• Provide information and outreach to criminal justice professionals and community partners.

Skills

Client coordination

Issue resolution

Cross-system collaboration

Resource management

Documentation accuracy

Community education

Education

Bachelor's degree

Mental health experience

Job description

The Forensic Program Specialist 1 position with Westmoreland County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS) offers a meaningful chance to support individuals with mental health needs as they move through the criminal justice system. This role allows you to guide people toward resources that can strengthen their stability and improve their quality of life. We offer a supportive work environment and generous benefit package.

This position focuses on identifying needs, coordinating services, and supporting individuals with mental health challenges who are involved at any point in the criminal justice system. As a Forensic Program Specialist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Client Coordination: Support individuals with mental health needs through education, planning, and resource identification
• Issue Resolution: Develop strategies that address challenges for people moving through the criminal justice system
• Cross-System Collaboration: Work with courts, crisis services, probation, providers, and other partners to explore diversion options
• Resource Management: Maintain an updated list of services including treatment, housing, vocational supports, transportation, and other needs
• Documentation Accuracy: Record service contacts and case details in a clear and timely manner
• Community Education: Provide information and outreach to criminal justice professionals and community partners

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Occasional need to work or attend meetings after hours or on weekends. Compensation provided.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Employee will be eligible for up to two days of telework per week after successful completion of a six month probationary period and director approval. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Greensburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional level experience in the field of mental health; and a bachelor's degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.