Mental Health Program Specialist 3

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Economic Security’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is seeking a Mental Health Program Specialist 3 to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. DDD provides flexible, high-quality, member-driven services and supports that encourage independent decision-making and community engagement. The role works in residential settings and may require schedule and location flexibility, including working different shifts, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays. The specialist teaches transitional living and daily living skills, implements planning-document objectives, provides personal care as needed, and supports members through educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities. The role also serves as lead staff when a supervisor is absent, coordinates and directs assigned staff, monitors member behavior and safety, participates in treatment-planning meetings, develops behavioral treatment plans and strategies, and documents member needs and progress. 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. Employment is contingent on required clearances and successful background and reference checks, among other pre-employment requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge of mental health principles and treatment techniques.
Knowledge of 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, 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 their families.
Ability to implement and develop behavior plans and provide specialized care, treatment, behavioral intervention, and security for individuals 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 lift and carry at least 50 pounds and push and pull at least 50 pounds.
Valid Level One fingerprint clearance card for work with children and vulnerable adults.
Subject to Child Safety Central Registry and Adult Protective Services Registry searches, and successful background and reference checks.
Must successfully complete E-Verify if hired as a newly hired State employee.
If driving or using a vehicle for State business is an essential job function: current, valid, class-appropriate driver’s license; required driver training and record checks; acceptable driving record; and 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 a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement (including through a spouse or close family member), or be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in care and treatment of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and behavioral health; alternatively, a master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling with an emphasis in clinical work or rehabilitation substitutes for the experience.
A bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling with an emphasis in clinical work or rehabilitation substitutes for two years of the 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 family members, listen, and offer suggestions consistent with program goals and objectives.
Monitor and assess member behavior and report potential problems for members in facility, family-home, or other residential settings.
Account for objects that may present a danger to members or others and follow and ensure staff compliance with safety policies and procedures.
Attend planning and treatment-plan team meetings as an active member, as appropriate to the member’s setting.
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 interact one-to-one with members to help solve problems.
Adapt schedules and work locations as required in 24-hour residential settings, including working different shifts and overtime.

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.