Mental Health Diversion Specialist

Mental Health Diversion Specialist

The Mental Health Diversion Specialist is responsible for assisting the Administrator to fulfill the legal, administrative, and professional requirements. The core function of the Mental Health Unit is to administer funds and oversee contracted program operating standards in order to provide recovery oriented, evidence-based mental health services and supports for eligible children and adults who are in the priority categories described by the State. This position will coordinate the review, analysis and evaluation of programs and processes, both within the Administrator's office and the Chester County service delivery system. Mental Health Diversion Specialist: Ensure that administrative, programmatic and contractual requirements, processes and procedures are implemented for the Mental Health Program. Develop, implement, and support cross-system collaboration across the criminal justice system to better serve children and adults with serious behavioral and emotional diagnoses through County Mental Health program oversight/monitoring and data tracking/trending analysis that promotes system development and enhancement in collaboration with HealthChoices MCO etc. A person in this position is expected to demonstrate the system of care practice model, which maximizes all resources around an individual or family. This system of care includes child and adult serving agencies and community partners that join with an individual or family to meet their goals.

Essential Duties

• Work collaboratively with the MH Recovery Court Team partners, including but not limited to: Court Administration, Probation & Pre-Trial Services, County Solicitors, Public Defenders, Court of Common Pleas, District Attorney, Prison, and criminal court personnel;
• Coordinate communication between the Mental Health Court Team and the Department for planning, problem solving and general communication;
• Work collaboratively with Chester County law enforcement and Police Chiefs Association to establish partnerships, offer support and training to assist community members experiencing a mental health crisis to connect with community-based services.
• Serves as the Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator for Chester County law enforcement, develop and implement comprehensive training programming at least bi-annually and ongoing continuing educational opportunities throughout the year.
• Coordinate and facilitate ongoing Mental Health trainings for 911 Dispatchers and EMS providers.
• Develop and coordinate a Diversion & Crisis Services Collaborative—consisting of community mental health providers, law enforcement, and other emergency service providers (Public Safety, EMTs), private and public hospitals, etc.;
• Prepare public communication materials as processes change over time, host informational meetings and forums;
• Establish a structure and model for system analysis and problem-solving to strengthen partnerships and support within the community.
• Develop and administer feedback and skill assessment tools/surveys to measure outcomes, provide analysis to inform system development and change.
• Assist in compliance and quality activities related to fulfilling contractual, regulatory requirements, and program standards across all service providers for which the county contracts
• Identify program needs and develop mental health services and recovery supports, provide oversight of implementation and evaluation of provider contracts, programmatically and fiscally.
• Coordinate and participate in the writing of planning proposals, grant applications, memoranda of understanding, as it relates to program development and service delivery.
• Serve as Project Manager for assigned projects, develop targeted goals and processes to achieve desired results;
• Serve as Day time and After Hours on-call Mental Health Delegate—serve as information manager or departmental liaison on individual cases and systems issues.
• Develop contracts annually, establish outcomes and deliverables through the incorporation of annual licensure and contract monitoring
• Serve as County departmental representative on task forces, workgroups, and advisory boards, meetings, and conferences
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in behavioral health or related field (Psychology, Social Work, …) from an accredited college or university and 3 years of professional-level experience in an appropriate field; or
• One year as a Program Specialist I or equivalent in the appropriate field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Must have a valid driver's license and use of a private vehicle.

Clarification of Requirements: You may substitute related education for the required experience or appropriate experience for the required education. Unrelated experience or education will not be accepted.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• 5 Years professional level experience in a mental health field
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services or a related field.
• Knowledge of state DHS regulations, procedures, bulletins, and policies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-developed group facilitation and training skills.
• Accurate and detail oriented with advanced organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Extensive experience with System of Care practices.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of County management.
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong presentation development and public speaking skills
• Strong professional ethics.
• Ability to maintain a professional image at all times.
• Ability to facilitate achieving resolution in conflict situations.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Requires flexible hours, including evening work.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Advanced interpersonal skills.
• Customer service experience.
• Able to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to establish priorities (remain focused on daily operations).
• Able to carry tasks to completion.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
• Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, drive a vehicle, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; push, lift, or carry items up to five pounds; push work with arms above shoulder height; work with office machinery; and able to travel and attend meetings off site. The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Other:

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• This position requires professionalism.