Children's Mental Health Respite Specialist

The Arc Erie County NY is a leading nonprofit supporting people with developmental & intellectual disabilities across Western New York, through innovative residential, educational, clinical and employment services.  Proudly celebrating our 75^th anniversary, we remain committed to empowering individuals and building inclusive communities.

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The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years.

Position Now Available: Children’s Mental Health Specialist

Overview

Our Children’s Mental Health Specialist position provides in-home/community habilitation to eligible youth with a Mental Health Diagnosis

Shift: Per diem - as needed basis.

Pay rate: $19.76/hr.

Key Duties

• Develop/implement/maintain an individualized treatment plan consistent with youth’s needs and service request. 
•  Provide a therapeutic relationship one on one or within a group that focuses on the needs of the people we support and/or family.

Qualifications

• High school diploma PLUS 6 months experience in a Human Services field required
• Associate’s degree in related field is a plus
• Valid NYS Driver’s License w/ approved record

Perks

• Affordable Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Great Work-Life balance
• On the job paid training
• On-demand pay
• Opportunities for advancement
• Gaining experience in the Human Services field (great for resumes or careers)

Full Job Description is listed below:

Job Description

Position Summary:

Provides in-home/community respite to eligible youth, with a Mental Health Diagnosis, through Mental Health Association, Children’s HCBS and Erie County High Fidelity Wraparound services. Maintains compliance with The Arc Erie County New York, Office of Child & Family Services (OFCS), and Health Care Integrator Agencies (HCIA).

Reporting Relationship:

Receives supervision from the Coordinator of Children’s Mental Health Services. Maintains regular contact with the Individual Care Coordinator/Case Manager from referring Mental Health Agencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete required quarterly Arc mandated trainings, Office of Mental Health (OMH) Foundations online trainings provided by Community Connections of New York, Inc. (CCNY) and/or all initial and on-going training requirements as required.

• Complete required 2 day live/virtual Initial Vendor Training provided by CCNY Inc. and other required courses as mandated by the Office of Mental Health.

• Must attend and participate in meetings pertinent to the people we support and provide input of family team meetings as scheduled. Participate in departmental staff meetings.

• Responsible to obtain and follow safety crisis plan for the people we support from their assigned Individualized Care Coordinator (ICC)/Care Manager.
• Implement and assist as needed in the development of the service plan of care outlined by Care Coordination/Care Manager and clinical team. Provide input to service providers for recommendations and changes as needed.
• Responsible to immediately notify the Mental Health Program Manager/Care Coordinator/Care Manager or on-call supervisor of the assigned Mental Health Agency (by following the emergency contact list) of any issues which might impact the safety of the identified person we support or the providers ability to perform his/her job duties. Must also notify the Coordinator of Children’s Mental Health Services. Must document all situations appropriately as defined by service regulations
• Responsible to provide services as outlined in a referral, consistent with referral request and individualized care plan. Address the needs of people we support in the areas of participation, health, behavior and safety.
• Promptly communicate the people we supports’ needs to immediate supervisor and the Individualized Care Coordinator.  Responsible to provide services as a vendor service provider to families as requested by the contracted agency. Responsible to provide services to families/people we support who are experiencing emotional trauma and promote positive family strength based interventions.
• Provide a therapeutic relationship one on one or within a group that focuses on the needs of the people we support and/or family.
• Complete Progress Notes within the required time frame of service provided via corresponding progress note template or electronic health record system.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with the family and service providers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

High School Diploma or equivalent diploma PLUS 6 months experience in a Human Services field preferred (combination of volunteer and/or paid experience is allowable).

PLUS

Must demonstrate a desire to work with people with mental health diagnosis and their families exercising an appropriate level of responsibility.  Must be self-motivated, self-directed, and flexible and have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.  

A valid NYS driver’s license and approved driving record is required. Must have a vehicle in good operating condition.            

Essential Job Functions:

• Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)
• Mental Requirements:

The ability to read, write, analyze, be perceptive/comprehensive, show good judgment, have good decision making skills, independent action, planning and prioritizing and follow directions.  Work independently as well as cooperatively with others.  Be approachable, enthusiastic, personable, work under pressure and meet job-related deadline accordingly.

• Human Relations Skills:

The ability to communicate with individuals in a positive manner, demonstrate the ability to be a leader and serve as an appropriate role model to consumers.  Receive supervision instruction in a positive manner.  Adhere to agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations.  Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.

• Equipment Operation:

The ability to operate computer, copier, fax machine.

Agency Principles:

• All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.
• Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.
• Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.

This position is NON-EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act.

The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job description at any time.

“The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer”

The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.