Forensic Mental Health Program Specialist 2 - County Mental Health Program Specialist 2

Are you seeking a fulfilling career in human services that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others? If so, consider the role of Forensic Mental Health Program Specialist 2 with Westmoreland County Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (BHDS). This position focuses on identifying, assisting and coordinating services for forensic involved consumers identified with Mental Health needs, prioritizing those with a Seriously Mental Illness (SMI). We offer a supportive work environment along with a generous benefit package. Share your expertise and make a lasting, positive difference with our team!

In this Specialist role, you will provide education, planning, care coordination, identification of resources, and service facilitation from a person-centered approach with the goal of increasing the quality of life and prioritizing consumer needs. You will have the opportunity to work with the individual and their team to explore diversionary options and community supports and services to reduce recidivism.

The Forensic Mental Health Program Specialist 2 will be a liaison between the mental health and forensic systems, both in house and with the necessary stakeholders in the community. This position acts as the point person for forensic cases, bridging the gap between the individual, mental health systems, and community resources with care coordination tasks. You will assist with intervention strategies and support in crisis situations, treatment services, and release and re-integration to the community. This professional supports and ensures engagement with physical health service needs, as well as offers the individual open communication between forensic service systems and providers. You can expect to perform specific reporting and data collection responsibilities that will be used in identifying best practices and targeting performance improvement efforts.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Occasional need to work or attend meetings after hours or on weekends. Compensation provided.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework)part-time. Employee will be eligible for up to three days of telework per week after successful completion of a six-month probationary period and director approval. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Greensburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a County Mental Health Program Specialist 1; or
• Three years of professional level experience in the field of mental health; and a bachelor's degree; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.