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Mental Health Program Specialist 2, Central Office;

New York State Office of Mental Health
Buffalo, NY Full Time
POSTED ON 3/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/26/2026
Duties Description

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is currently recruiting to fill a Mental Health Program Specialist 2, Grade 23, vacancy in the Western New York Field Office. The incumbents will be assigned to the Licensing/Certification Unit within the Field Office and, based on assignments, will be required to travel. Specific duties to be performed may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Conduct on-site reviews of licensed mental health programs including inpatient, outpatient and community residential facilities to determine compliance with OMH regulations and Standards of Care.

Prepare final recommendations and written reports for renewal of program’s certification and the issuance of an operating certificate.

Collaborate with other units within the OMH Field Office and staff of OMH Central Office on completing licensing and recertification tasks, monitoring of programs and ensuring adequate follow up, as well as review and monitoring of program’s Performance Improvement Plan.

Interpret OMH policy as it applies to specific situations involving State and local providers and provide technical assistance to programs licensed by OMH.

Participate in review of Prior Approval Review applications, Administrative Actions, and Request for Proposals, as appropriate.

Participate in special projects as assigned, as well as system transformation initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Under the NY HELPS Program:

To be eligible for appointment, candidates must have 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 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

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.

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.

Salary : $86,681 - $109,650

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