Description
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3 Job Location: Address: Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
6401 South 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85041
Second Shift - 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM (This includes Weekends) Posting Details: Salary: $50,000.00 to $53,000.00
Grade: 17
Closing Date: September 22, 2024 Job Summary:
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or Click on the link here to view ‘Our DES' video. Come join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Mental Health Program Specialist 3. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.
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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• 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.
Knowledge in:
• 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.
Skills In:
• 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.
Ability to:
• 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.
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• 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.
• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: 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 operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• 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.
• Employment may be contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• 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.
• Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-2758.07 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• 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
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Joseph Deserio at 480-589-4222 or JDeserio@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-589-4222 or JDeserio@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
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