Mental Health Specialist III

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Mental Health Specialist III for the Child & Adolescent Services – Children's Transitional Residence within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Mental Health Specialist III is to provide daily care and supervision to children residing in the Children's Transitional Residence. Participates as a member of a milieu treatment team in carrying out a residential mental health care program and related services to children (ages 5-11 years) at CTR. Demonstrates competence in recognizing the unique needs and behaviors of children.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Takes initiative in engaging children and families in a tactful manner.
• Communicates with children and their families in an empathetic and concerned manner.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate boundaries and sets limits while avoiding power struggles with children (ages 5-11 years).
• Assess children's (ages 5-11 years) interpersonal behavior and participation and interest in their environment in accordance with established Center policies.
• Formulates and implements intervention that facilitates child well being.
• Plans and implements appropriate and therapeutically effective milieu therapy activities from children (ages 5-11 years).

Minimum Education and Experience:

Three (3) years of relevant full-time paid experience in the mental health field or one (1) year of full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) along with at least two (2) years of college majoring in a relevant mental health, social, or human services field, including twenty-four (24) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social, or human services field, such as psychology, social work, counseling or three (3) years of college majoring in a relevant mental health, social, or human services field, including thirty-six (36) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, counseling.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Employee must be physically active and be on their feet most of the day. Duties may involve bending and lifting objects up to 25 lbs., running and playing active games with children (ages 5-11 years) and driving minivans or other vehicles. Following training, employee must be physically capable of safely providing personal restraints to agitated children (ages 5-11 years).

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Crowded and moderately noisy conditions with children and staff moving about.