"Mental Health Specialist III"

Position Summary

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist III in the Child & Adolescent Services – School Based Program – Outpatient Services of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Mental Health Specialist III participates as a member of a treatment team providing mental health services to children and adolescents (ages 3-21 years). As needed and in collaboration with clinical staff, provides case management, co-facilitation of psycho-educational and recreational groups. Actively participates in crisis interventions.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Participates in the provision of mental health and youth development activities.
• Interacts with child and adolescent clients (ages 3-21 years) in a therapeutic manner, according to their developmental level, as indicated by feedback from team members and supervisory observation.
• Takes initiative in engaging child and adolescent clients (ages 3-21 years) in a tactful manner as appropriate to their cognitive and maturational level, as indicated by feedback from team members and supervisory observation.
• Communicates with child and adolescent clients (ages 3-21 years) in an empathic and concerned manner appropriate to their cognitive, emotional, and maturational level as indicated by feedback from clients, families, team members, and supervisors.
• Actively participates in crisis intervention with clients as delegated and monitored by supervisor.
• Establishes and maintains boundaries and sets appropriate limits for child and adolescent clients (ages 3-21 years) as indicated by feedback from team members and by supervisor's observation.

Minimum Education and Experience

Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in the mental health field or two (2) years of college majoring in a relevant social or health care field plus one (1) year of full-time experience in the mental health field.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee spends time sitting and counseling students and preparing hand-written and dictated reports.
• Must actively engage students in recreational and cultural activities, which may include off-site facilities.
• Must walk through the school building to consult with school personnel and to escort students as needed.
• Travels as needed to conduct home visits as necessary and to University Behavioral HealthCare office sites and other community-based meetings in private vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The School Based Unit is located in schools where there is frequently a high level of noise. The private clinical offices are busy but quiet.