Mental Health Program Specialist 2, Central Office;

Duties Description The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill one Mental Health Program Specialist 2, Grade 23, 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: 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. Collaborate with stakeholders to design and execute behavioral health protocols and procedures, focusing on areas like crisis services response programming (including 988 and mobile crisis intervention), with a strong focus on ensuring the voice of peer advocates and individuals and families with lived experience guide development 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. Contribute to policy analysis, development, and coordination of recommendations to improve crisis services. 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. Develop and coordinate training sessions and educational presentations for stakeholders in the system, with a focus on local governmental units as well as others. 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 may be 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr