Review Vacancy
AgencyMental Health, Office of
TitleMental Health Program Specialist 2 (Clinical) (NY HELPS), Central Office;
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $84156 to $106454 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is recruiting to fill a Mental Health Program Specialist 2 (Clinical), G-23, position in the Division of Forensic Services, Bureau of Sex Offender Evaluation and Community Treatment, Risk Assessment and Record Review Unit. Pursuant to Article 10 of the Mental Hygiene Law, the Bureau is responsible for coordinating and conducting the multi-disciplinary risk assessment and clinical review of individuals who have been convicted of a qualifying sex offense and who are approaching the end of their criminal sentence to assist in determining whether civil management is appropriate. The Bureau also oversees and monitors the implementation of programs to manage the treatment of individuals who are released to strict and intensive community supervision and treatment in the community as a result of the Article 10 process. Specific duties to be performed may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Conduct record reviews and risk assessment evaluations of sex offenders nearing the end of their criminal sentence, as stipulated in the NYS Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act (SOMTA) and Article 10 of the Mental Hygiene Law, to determine whether the offenders require civil management.
Lead workgroups related to sex offender reviews with members of other State agencies; ensure relevant risk factors are identified and appropriately weighed; facilitate discussions regarding level of care required, comparing case specifics to empirical research findings on sexual offense recidivism; complete quality assurance reviews to ensure protocols were followed and that clinically appropriate and empirically supported decisions were made.
Monitor and evaluate Article 10 qualifying cases:
o Review referrals to determine appropriate level of care; monitor and coordinate Article 10 stakeholders to ensure timely submission of civil management documentation and decisions; ensure appropriate risk factors are identified and appropriately documented.
o Investigate referred individual’s involvement with the criminal justice system and treatment providers; coordinate the request and receipt of records.
o Communicate with other State agencies, community and corrections-based mental health providers, and criminal justice agencies on Article 10 matters.
o Work with other State agencies to develop and implement processes and procedures to ensure Article 10 cases are processed in accordance with legal requirements.
Develop and maintain an understanding of the research and clinical best practices in the areas of sex offender evaluation, treatment, and management.
Develop and maintain knowledge of the criminal justice system and practices in order to accurately review and interpret criminal justice-related documentation (e.g., Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) records/system, eJusticeNY rap sheet, police/court/district attorney records).
Conduct a variety of empirically based risk assessment tools.
Review sex offender treatment records to determine if the offender has effectively addressed known risk factors for sexual offending.
Coordinate with a variety of agencies (e.g., DOCCS, Parole, police, courts, District Attorneys, and sex offender and mental health treatment providers) to gather information relevant to the sex offender’s offending history and risk factors.
Formulate a clinical conceptualization of each offender’s sexual offending by merging relevant clinical concepts and research-based risk factors associated with sexual recidivism.
Prepare comprehensive reports that detail an offender’s psychosocial history, offending history, treatment history, research-based risk factors, and case determinations.
Individually and as a member of a multidisciplinary and interagency team, make determinations of which sex offenders do and do not require civil management.
Participate in training OMH staff and other State agencies on sex offender assessment and treatment; respond to inquiries and questions.
Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Under the NY HELPS Program:
A bachelor’s degree in a health or human services area and three years of professional clinical experience in a mental health program.
+A master's degree in a qualifying field* can substitute for one year of specialized experience.
*Qualifying degrees: 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.
Transfer Opportunity:
Candidates must have permanent status as a Mental Health Program Specialist 2 (Clinical) and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1 or Section 52.6 of the Civil Service Law by having at least one year of permanent service in a qualifying title within two salary grades or one M-grade of this position.
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 AND possess a bachelor’s degree will also be considered. Please provide a copy of your eligibility letter with your response.
Additional Comments The Division of Forensic Services is conveniently located in independent offices on the grounds of the Capital District PC at 75 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York.
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.
This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of NY HELPS, 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 a future date, it is expected that 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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address OMHHRM@OMH.NY.GOV
Address
Street NYS Office of Mental Health
44 Holland Avenue
Notes on ApplyingTo be considered for this position, interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to omhhrm@omh.ny.gov. Please include the title of the position and Vacancy ID #182396 in the subject line of your email when applying.
You are advised that, should you accept a job offer with the Office of Mental Health, you may be required to be fingerprinted and pay a fingerprint fee.