Program Specialist Jobs in Albany, NY

Duties Description

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill one Mental Health Program Specialist 1, Grade 18, position in the Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center (BHCTAC). The BHCTAC is responsible for collaborating with and assisting appropriate agencies, the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council (SEMSCO), DHSES and local community response systems in developing standardized protocols for a health-led response to a behavioral health crisis. Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of the Division, the incumbents’ specific duties to be performed may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in developing, implementing, and managing activities of the BHCTAC and related services.
• Provide guidance and support to various stakeholders focusing on local government units on program requirements, best practices, and OMH and OASAS policies. Provide guidance to local government units and other stakeholders on centering, supporting and amplifying peer voice in policy and program development, and sustaining engagement of peers and individuals with lived experience through feedback.
• Collaborate on monitoring and evaluating program outcomes, including developing metrics that are driven by peer advocates and individuals with lived experience, support continuous quality improvement, identify compliance issues, and reporting on service utilization and quality of care data.
• Facilitate communication and coordinate efforts with various providers, community stakeholders, state agencies, and other NYS OMH divisions. Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, with a particular focus on peer advocates and individuals and families with lived experience, as well as other state agencies and community partners, to advance behavioral health initiatives.
• Identify, especially through engagement with peer advocates and individuals and families with lived experience, and address systems barriers, resolve issues, and assist in navigating resources for crisis service response providers.
• Collaborate on the monitoring and review of programs for compliance with policies, protocols, and standards, ensuring quality care and effective program outcomes, with a focus on including feedback from peer advocates and individuals and families with lived experience
• 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.

55b/c Opportunity: Individuals certified eligible for the 55b/c program under the Governor’s Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55b/c of the Civil Service Law AND possess a Bachelor’s or degree in one of the fields listed above will also be considered. Please provide a copy of your eligibility letter with your response.

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 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 position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. 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.