[Hiring] Mental Health Diversion Specialist @County of Chester

Role Description

The Mental Health Diversion Specialist is responsible for assisting the Administrator to fulfill the legal, administrative, and professional requirements. The core function of the Mental Health Unit is to administer funds and oversee contracted program operating standards in order to provide recovery-oriented, evidence-based mental health services and supports for eligible children and adults who are in the priority categories described by the State. This position will coordinate the review, analysis, and evaluation of programs and processes, both within the Administrator’s office and the Chester County service delivery system.

• Ensure that administrative, programmatic, and contractual requirements, processes, and procedures are implemented for the Mental Health Program.
• Develop, implement, and support cross-system collaboration across the criminal justice system to better serve children and adults with serious behavioral and emotional diagnoses.
• Demonstrate the system of care practice model, maximizing all resources around an individual or family.

Essential Duties

• Work collaboratively with the MH Recovery Court Team partners, including but not limited to: Court Administration, Probation & Pre-Trial Services, County Solicitors, Public Defenders, Court of Common Pleas, District Attorney, Prison, and criminal court personnel.
• Coordinate communication between the Mental Health Court Team and the Department for planning, problem-solving, and general communication.
• Collaborate with Chester County law enforcement and Police Chiefs Association to establish partnerships and offer support and training.
• Serve as the Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator for Chester County law enforcement, developing and implementing comprehensive training programming.
• Coordinate and facilitate ongoing Mental Health trainings for 911 Dispatchers and EMS providers.
• Develop and coordinate a Diversion & Crisis Services Collaborative.
• Prepare public communication materials and host informational meetings and forums.
• Establish a structure and model for system analysis and problem-solving.
• Develop and administer feedback and skill assessment tools/surveys to measure outcomes.
• Assist in compliance and quality activities related to fulfilling contractual, regulatory requirements, and program standards.
• Identify program needs and develop mental health services and recovery supports.
• Coordinate and participate in the writing of planning proposals, grant applications, and memoranda of understanding.
• Serve as Project Manager for assigned projects, developing targeted goals and processes.
• Serve as Daytime and After Hours on-call Mental Health Delegate.
• Develop contracts annually, establishing outcomes and deliverables.
• Serve as County departmental representative on task forces, workgroups, and advisory boards.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or related field from an accredited college or university and 3 years of professional-level experience in an appropriate field; or
• One year as a Program Specialist I or equivalent in the appropriate field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and use of a private vehicle.

Requirements

• 5 Years professional level experience in a mental health field preferred.
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services or a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of state DHS regulations, procedures, bulletins, and policies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Well-developed group facilitation and training skills.
• Accurate and detail-oriented with advanced organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Extensive experience with System of Care practices.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong presentation development and public speaking skills.
• Strong professional ethics.
• Ability to maintain a professional image at all times.
• Ability to facilitate achieving resolution in conflict situations.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Requires flexible hours, including evening work.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Advanced interpersonal skills.
• Customer service experience.
• Able to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and remain focused on daily operations.
• Able to carry tasks to completion.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Additional Information

• Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.
• Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Explorer) required.
• Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar) required.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, drive a vehicle, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or squat; push, lift, or carry items up to five pounds.
• Specific vision requirements include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• Confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• This position requires professionalism.