Program Specialist 2
About The Position
The Mental Health Program Specialist 2 serves as an administrative mental health professional with primary responsibility for overseeing adult mental health services across Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. These services include inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, crisis intervention, case management, emergency services, and base service units. Operating with a high degree of independence, this position ensures effective collaboration with various mental health providers throughout Pennsylvania. The role plays a key part in service planning, budgeting, compliance, and performance monitoring. Additionally, this position plays a central role in the oversight and coordination of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs, as well as the Treatment Court Expansion Grant and PCCD Grant programs, which support cross-system collaboration, community wellness, criminal justice reform, and recovery support for justice-involved individuals.
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.
- Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania’s mental health systems, regulations, and funding mechanisms.
- Demonstrated experience in program planning, grant oversight, contract management, and inter-agency collaboration.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage complex administrative tasks.
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania.
- Be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity or experience with CIT, CISM, Treatment Court, and PCCD grant programs is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Review county mental health expenditures, purchase requests, and contracts, including service billing invoices, to ensure compliance and authorize reimbursement.
- Develop, analyze, and coordinate policy planning and budgets for adult mental health services and ancillary programs.
- Monitor funding allocations, contract amendments, Medical Assistance (MA) expenditures, and year-end budget adjustments.
- Assist in preparing and submitting the Human Services Block Grant Plan.
- Create and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aligned with the needs-based mental health plan to address service gaps in the community.
- Collaborate with clinical and hospital staff for patient care planning and base service unit coordination.
- Coordinate and review admissions for Luzerne and Wyoming County residents referred to state hospitals for inpatient treatment.
- Monitor utilization of state hospital bed days and outpatient medication expenditures using data-driven strategies.
- Analyze service utilization data and recommend development or restructuring for improved service efficiency.
- Work with data personnel to interpret Community Consolidated Reporting System (CCRS) and Performance Outcome Management System (POMS) data.
- Develop, implement, and oversee performance-based contracts aligned with recognized standards of care.
- Evaluate provider proposals and provide feasibility recommendations to the MH/DS Administrator.
- Respond to and mediate consumer and family complaints related to adult mental health services, case management, and ancillary services.
- Oversee and coordinate the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs in partnership with law enforcement, first responders, and community partners.
- Lead oversight and administration of the Treatment Court Expansion Grant, ensuring program development, inter-agency coordination, compliance, and reporting.
- Manage activities and deliverables associated with the PCCD Grant, including alignment with state priorities, implementation of funded initiatives, and timely reporting.
- Serve as the administrative mental health delegate on-call during non-business hours to support crisis and mental health staff.
- Review and process petitions for involuntary evaluation and treatment in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
