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Mental Health Program Specialist 2, Central Office;

New York State Office of Mental Health
Albany, NY Full Time
POSTED ON 10/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/27/2026
Duties Description

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is seeking qualified candidate to fill a Mental Health Program Specialist 2, G-23 position in the Division of Community Program Management & Managed Care, Adult Community Care Group, Bureau of Housing Development & Support. The Mental Health Program Specialist 2 will assist in the coordination of care for homeless individuals within relevant programs and maintain, analyze and share pertinent data across housing, healthcare, mental and behavioral health, and social services sectors to address the needs of this population.

SOS is a high-priority Governor’s initiative to reduce street homelessness and improve access to housing and care. This position supports OMH’s core mission by helping the SOS program engage people experiencing homelessness and connect them to permanent housing, health care, behavioral health care, substance use services and other supports. The employee provides technical support, coordinates with regional offices and community partners and reviews program data. This work supports timely services, member safety and successful moves from street homelessness to stable housing.

Duties include:

  • Monitor Safe Option Support Team (SOS) activities to identify best practices and evaluate

program performance.

  • Act as a liaison to assigned teams to support implementation and operation of the SOS Teams.
  • Facilitate learning collaboratives where SOS teams members can review progress, outcomes, and develop best practices for SOS teams in collaboration with the medical director for homelessness and other complex populations.
  • Work collaboratively with other Division of Housing Development and Support staff to promote

OMH Initiatives and support development of targeted resources to decrease homelessness.

  • Participate in special projects associated with the Homeless Support Unit’s responsibilities as assigned by Unit/Bureau leadership
  • Review Request for Proposal (RFP) applications as assigned.
  • All 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 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 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 be permanent in the Mental Health Program Specialist 2 title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via 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 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

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. The Office of Mental Health embraces diversity and promotes a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. The New York State Office of Mental Health 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 the NY HELPS Program, 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 this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected 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 of 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.

Salary : $90,582 - $114,585

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