MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$50,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Mental Health Program Specialist 3. DDD provides flexible, high-quality, member-driven services and supports to people with developmental disabilities and their families, helping members exercise independent decision-making and participate in their communities. The position is based at 2327 West Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, and lists a shift of 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM. The salary range is $50,000 to $53,000. This role provides direct support and behavioral treatment to members with developmental disabilities, including people with significant behavioral or psychiatric issues. The specialist teaches daily living and transitional skills, implements planning objectives and treatment strategies, supports members and families, and contributes to therapeutic programs. The position also serves as lead staff when a supervisor is absent, coordinating staff activities and work priorities. This is a 24-hour residential setting. The position requires schedule flexibility, including the possibility of different shifts, overtime, and changes in work location; most schedules include nights, weekends, and holidays. The role also requires lifting and carrying at least 50 pounds and pushing or pulling at least 50 pounds. Applicants may not be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, have a principal interest in or a spouse or close family member with a principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, or be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Requirements

Knowledge of mental health treatment principles and techniques.
Knowledge of principles and techniques for teaching daily living skills to people with developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of methods and procedures for developing Individual Treatment Plans for clients with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral or psychiatric issues.
Knowledge of therapeutic and interaction practices.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders, symptoms, and treatment.
Skill in teaching and learning principles and applying behavior-building and re-motivation techniques.
Skill in recognizing client disorientation, aggressiveness, and combative behavior.
Skill in crisis intervention methods and techniques.
Skill in developing Behavior Treatment Plans and other program strategies.
Skill in oral and written communication and interactions with staff, clients, and families.
Ability to implement and develop behavior plans.
Ability to provide specialized care, treatment, behavioral intervention, and security for people with developmental disabilities and psychiatric or behavioral issues.
Ability to build interpersonal relations with staff, clients, the community, and client families.
Ability to delegate responsibilities, prioritize tasks, resolve problems, and handle emergency staffing situations.
Ability to work flexibly across shifts, overtime, and locations in a 24-hour residential setting; most schedules include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds and push or pull at least 50 pounds.
A valid Level One fingerprint clearance card is required to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Pass the Department of Child Safety Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry searches, background and reference checks, and E-Verify.
If driving or using a vehicle is an essential job function, maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license, meet applicable driving-record and training requirements, and maintain required liability insurance when using a personally owned vehicle on state business.
Applicants must not be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation; have a principal interest in or a spouse or close family member with a principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement; or be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in the care and treatment of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and behavioral health.
A master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling with an emphasis in clinical work or rehabilitation may substitute for the required experience.
A bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling with an emphasis may substitute for two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

Teach transitional living skills, including personal hygiene, home maintenance, and use of public transportation, and implement Planning Document objectives and programs.
Motivate member groups and coordinate educational and recreational activities.
Provide direct personal care and assistance with daily living skills as needed.
Serve as lead staff in a supervisor's absence by coordinating and directing assigned staff, scheduling and prioritizing work, and providing technical advice and assistance.
Discuss concerns raised by members and their families, listen, and offer suggestions consistent with program goals and objectives.
Monitor and assess member behaviors and report potential problems for members living in the facility, a family home, or another setting.
Account for objects in facilities and family homes that could endanger members or others, and follow and ensure staff compliance with safety procedures.
Attend Planning/Treatment Plan team meetings as an active member for clients in the facility and, as needed, for members in family or other residential settings.
Develop Behavioral Treatment Plans and other program strategies, and advise lower-level staff on ongoing Treatment Plans.
Assess member needs; prepare progress reports; collect, compile, and document member-related data in the required format; and record other pertinent information.
Conduct individual or group facilitation and assist with specialized therapy programs.
Participate in therapeutic treatment and work one-to-one with members on problem solving.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation and sick time.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement.
Stipend opportunities.
Infant at Work Program.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Career advancement and employee development opportunities.