Mental Health Program Specialist 2, Central Office;

Duties Description

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill a Mental Health Program Specialist 2, G-23, position to work within the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS). OAPSS works to ensure the inclusion of recipients across the lifespan (youth, transition age youth, adults, and older adults) and their family’s perspectives into OMH policy making and program planning, development, and evaluation.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Manage the peer certification administration RFP, including by hosting regular meetings for Technical Assistance and guidance and ensuring adherence to program deliverables
- Communicate input made by the advisory committee, including edits to the code of ethics, certification process, continuing education approvals, etc. with the certification entity
- Ensure OAPSS and certification entity are responsive to the advisory committee’s concerns
- Ensure an agenda is communicated to the advisory committee and that they address major areas such as codes of conduct, ethics, certification processes, educational requirements, and others as indicated by OMH/OAPSS
- Offer overviews of the certification board, benefits of certification, and how to certify to the public by way of webinars, conferences, and presentations.
- Final certification application approval
- Provides guidance and support to team members, fostering a positive work environment and ongoing cross department communication
- Promotes the inclusion of individuals who are current and former users of mental health services, families whose children are involved in children’s services, and youth involved or formerly involved in services into planning, policy implementation, program development, evaluation, monitoring, and related activities.
- Guides the staff to understand and comply with agency policies and processes and supports opportunities for learning and growth.
- Supports community outreach functions and represents an agency in statewide outreach events, interagency workgroups, public forums, and in meetings with advocacy and provider organizations
- Promotes awareness of recovery, self-help, and empowerment by disseminating relevant information to recipients, providers, family members, county government and the general public as indicated by OAPSS.
- Statewide travel for certification-related and community engagement matters
- Functions as a subject matter expert for peer service best practices and provide technical assistance as needed and may be assigned to serve as a project lead for agency initiatives.
- Oversee and manage the certification advisory committee, including recruiting members and scheduling monthly meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Under the NY HELPS Program:
To be eligible for appointment, candidates must have A bachelor's degree in biology and all subspecialties of biology relating to human biology, 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 three 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 biology and all subspecialties of biology relating to human biology, 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.

Transfer Opportunity:
Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service as a Mental Health Program Specialist 2, G-23, and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law by having one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in a qualifying title within two salary grades or one M-grade of the Grade 23 level.

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 will also be considered. In addition to a current 55b/c eligibility letter, candidates 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 AND three years of professional clinical or administrative experience in a mental health program. Please provide a copy of your eligibility letter with your application.

Additional Comments

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.

Salary : $86,681 - $109,650