MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$50,000 - $53,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join their team as a Mental Health Program Specialist 3 within the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with flexible, high-quality, and member-driven services and supports. These services aim to provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and community engagement. Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Requirements

Mental health principles and techniques involved in treatment.
Principles and techniques used in teaching people with developmental disabilities in the area of daily living skills.
The methods/procedures and techniques used in developing Individual Treatment Plans for clients with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral/psychiatric issues.
Therapeutic/interaction practices.
Psychiatric disorders, symptoms and treatment.
Teaching and learning principles and applying behavior-building and re-motivation techniques.
Recognizing client disorientation, aggressiveness and combative behavior.
Methods of techniques in crisis intervention.
The development of Behavior Treatment Plans and other program strategies.
Oral/written communications and interactions with staff, clients and their families.
Implement and develop behavior plans.
Provide specialized care, treatment and behavioral intervention and security for individuals with developmental disabilities and psychiatric/behavioral issues.
Interpersonal relations with staff, clients, the community and client families.
Delegate responsibilities, prioritize tasks, resolve problems and handle emergency staffing situations.
Driver’s License Requirements: Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to Driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes 41-1968 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Department of Child Safety Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

2 years of experience in care and treatment of individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability and behavioral health; OR Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling with an emphasis in clinical work or rehabilitation substitutes for the required experience; OR Bachelor's degree in above fields and emphasis substitutes for 2 years of required experience.

Responsibilities

Flexibility in schedule (i.e., work different shift, overtime and change work locations) as these are 24-hour residential settings. Most schedules work nights, weekends and holidays. Requires lifting/carrying at least 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling at least 50 lbs.
Teaches transitional living skills (personal hygiene, home maintenance, utilization of public transportation, etc) and implements the Planning Document objectives and programs. Motivates member groups and coordinates educational and recreational activities for members. Provides direct personal care and assistance with daily living skills as needed.
Functions as a Lead staff and acts in the absence of a supervisor in coordinating and directing the activities of assigned staff, scheduling and prioritizing work activities and providing technical advice and assistance. Discusses the concerns expressed by members and family members and listens and offers suggestions in accordance with program goals and objectives.
Monitors and assesses member behaviors and reports potential problems for members residing in the facility or in the family's home. Accounts for objects in the facility and in the family's home, which may present a danger to members or others. Follows and ensures staff compliance with policies regarding safety procedures.
Attends Planning/Treatment Plan team meetings as an active member for clients in the facility and as needed, for members residing in a family setting or other residential setting. Develops Behavioral Treatment Plans and other program strategies. Confers with and advises lower-level staff on the on-going Treatment Plans for members.
Assesses member needs and prepares progress reports. Collects member-related data and compiles and documents in required format. Notes other information pertinent to each individual. Conducts individuals and/or group facilitation and/or assist in specialized therapy programs. Participates in providing therapeutic treatment. Interacts on a one-to one-basis with members in 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-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities