Mental Health Program Specialist 1/Trainee, Central Office;

New York State Office of Mental Health; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York State Office of Mental Health is seeking a Mental Health Program Specialist 1 to support Crisis Stabilization Centers and Residential Crisis programs for adults. The role focuses on Residential Crisis Support and Intensive Crisis Residence, with duties including oversight, data review, and technical assistance to stakeholders.

Ideal candidates possess a relevant bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience; advanced education may substitute for experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field such as psychology, social work, public health or related area and two years of professional clinical or administrative experience.
• Advanced placement to Trainee 2 or Journey level may be possible based on education and experience.
• Experience with crisis services and program evaluation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and implementation of Crisis Residential programs and address barriers.
• Review, monitor and evaluate assigned Crisis Residences; maintain trackers and data resources.
• Provide technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders in a timely, professional manner.
• Develop program models, performance measures and related documents in compliance with policies and laws.
• Coordinate meetings with stakeholders and document minutes.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Writing and reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree substitution for one year experience

Job description

Duties Description
The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill one Mental Health Program Specialist 1, Grade 18, position in the Division of Crisis Services, Crisis Stabilization/Residential Unit. Under the direction of the Mental Health Program Specialist 3 Clinical, the Mental Health Program Specialist 1, G-18 will work to support the implementation and quality of Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSC) and Crisis Residences, with a focus on Residential Crisis Support and Intensive Crisis Residence for adults.

Residential Crisis Support and Intensive Crisis Residence Programs are short-term (up to 28 days) residential programs for treatment and support to individuals who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, psychiatric crisis, or are experiencing challenges in daily life that create risk for an escalation of psychiatric symptoms that cannot reasonably be managed in the person's home and/or community environment without onsite supports and do not pose likelihood of serious harm.

The Specialist will also support, as needed, the other programs in the unit, including Crisis Stabilization Centers and Children’s Crisis Residences. Crisis Stabilization Centers which provide urgent treatment, support, and assistance to children and adults experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. There are both Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center and Supportive Crisis Stabilization Center program models. Children’s Crisis Residence Programs are short-term (up to 21 days) residential programs for treatment and support to individuals who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, psychiatric crisis, or are experiencing challenges in daily life that create risk for an escalation of psychiatric symptoms that cannot reasonably be managed in the person's home and/or community environment without onsite supports and do not pose likelihood of serious harm.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with oversight of the development and implementation of Crisis Residential programs challenges and barriers and work toward resolution with appropriate consultation and stakeholder engagement.
• Under the direction of the program lead, review, monitor, and evaluate assigned Crisis Residences. Maintain and regularly review program trackers, workplans, databases, and other resources to ensure assigned programs are implemented with fidelity and achieving expected outcomes. Identify risks or problems and ensure they are reported to leadership as appropriate.
• Support the provision of technical assistance for internal and external stakeholders. Ensure that appropriate guidance and technical assistance is provided in a timely and professional manner. Consult supervisor for necessary clarifications on policies and regulations as appropriate.
• Advance recommendations to enhance existing programs to the supervisor and, as applicable, Division leadership. Ensure strategic recommendations are aligned with program goals, objectives and outcomes and share supporting documentation with the supervisor and leadership. Implement approved changes once stakeholder support is facilitated.
• Collect and review program data for assigned programs to identify trends, needs, and gaps. Submit required data reports and make informed recommendations.
• Assist with the development and revision of program models, progress indicators, performance measures, legal frameworks, guidance, policies, plans and documents for assigned mental health programs in a timely manner and in compliance with all policies, laws and bet practice standards.
• Assist with tracking of unlicensed crisis residential programs and crisis respite beds as needed.
• Complete additional data creation, collection and review as needed.
• Assist, as needed, to provide support and guidance to inform the development of crisis provider training.
• Support and participate in learning collaboratives for providers.
• Coordinate and attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders for assigned programs. Record and distribute meeting minutes as assigned.
• Participate in available training to increase knowledge and expertise in mental health service provision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Under the NY HELPS Program:

A bachelor's degree in child and family studies, counseling and community psychology, creative arts therapy, criminal justice, health administration, hospital administration, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, nursing, psychoanalysis, psychology, public administration, public health, public policy, recreation therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, sociology, or special education AND two years of professional clinical or administrative experience in a federal or state operated, licensed, certified, or funded mental health program.

A master's degree in child and family studies, counseling and community psychology, creative arts therapy, criminal justice, health administration, hospital administration, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, nursing, psychoanalysis, psychology, public administration, public health, public policy, recreation therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, sociology, or special education can substitute for one year of specialized experience.

Mental Health Program Specialist Trainee 1: Candidate’s must possess a bachelor's or higher degree in child and family studies, counseling and community psychology, creative arts therapy, criminal justice, health administration, hospital administration, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, nursing, psychoanalysis, psychology, public administration, public health, public policy, recreation therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, sociology, or special education.

Advanced placement to the Trainee 2 or Journey level may be possible depending on education and experience.

Transfer Opportunity:

Candidates must be employed by New York State to be eligible. In order to be eligible for transfer, candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/c service as a Mental Health Program Specialist Trainee 1, Mental Health Program Specialist Trainee 2, or Mental Health Program Specialist 1 and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have lived mental health experience from first-hand, personal knowledge and understanding gained from directly navigating and receiving services and supports as an element of their recovery. Preferred candidate will have experience as a professional advocate or service provider in the field of mental health. Preferred candidates will also hold a master's or higher degree in a field such such as psychology, social work, counseling, or related areas. Experience in professional clinical, peer support, or administrative roles within a behavioral health program is preferred. Candidates with a solid understanding of behavioral health issues, treatment modalities, and relevant regulations are encouraged to apply.

Generally speaking, this role requires strong clinical and administrative skills; excellent interpersonal skills; excellent communication and writing skills with professionals with both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds.

Additional Comments
The starting salary for this position will vary based on the selected candidate’s education and/or experience. Candidates appointed at a trainee level will be required to successfully complete the traineeship to advance to the full performance level title and salary:

$56,183 (Mental Health Program Specialist Trainee 1)

$62,694 (Mental Health Program Specialist Trainee 2)

$69,964 (Mental Health Program Specialist 1, full performance level)

For current New York State employees, the starting salary is based on the candidate’s salary at the time of hire.

Employment with New York State offers unmatched benefits, individual support, and career mobility for motivated individuals including: NYS pension and retirement programs; annual cost of living and performance advance increases; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care; paid time off, including thirteen paid holidays per year, and paid personal leave, vacation leave, and sick leave.

The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations. A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Specific scheduled hours and telecommuting availability for this position will be discussed during the interview process. Please note, employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to operational needs and Agency Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of NY HELPS, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected that employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.