Mental Health Specialist IV - Part Time - Multiple Vacancies

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a part-time Mental Health Specialist IV in the Child & Adolescent Services – Children's Transitional Residence of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the part-time Mental Health Specialist IV is to provide daily care and supervision to children residing in the Children's Transitional Residence.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Provides direct supervision to children (ages 5-11 years) residing in the Children's Transitional Residence.
• Supervises daily activities, such as personal care routines, meals and transportation to and from school or medical appointments.
• Implements recreational and therapeutic activities and trips appropriate to the children's age, abilities, and therapeutic needs.
• Provides behavioral reinforcement, positive role-modeling and feedback to children to encourage more adaptive and pro-social behaviors.
• Monitors children for a 24-hour day program, including overnight visual checks. e. Intervenes effectively to maintain safety and security for children in crisis by using both verbal and physical crisis intervention strategies.
• Documents all unit activities in unit and communication logs.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, secure, and nurturing environment.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent). At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Employee must be physically active and be on feet most of the day. Duties may involve bending and lifting objects up to 25 lbs., running and playing active games with children and adolescents (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.