Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY Helps)

Minimum Qualifications Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer.

Must maintain a valid New York State license and registration.

Open to the Public: Possession of a license and current registration as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State.

Must maintain a valid New York State license and registration.

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Duties Description The CMSO LMHC reports to the CMSO Regional Supervisor and BBHS Social Work Supervisor and provides clinical case management services to youth and their families or caregivers. The CMSO clinician plays a critical role as a member of the youth's support team.

As such, the clinician works to assist the team in understanding youth holistically; conceptualizing those behaviors directly related to the youth's placement in the context of familial, community, cultural and developmental experiences. The clinician continually assesses and draws upon the strengths and assets of youth and their caregivers to facilitate insight, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and spiritual growth/wellness.

• Serve as an active member of a multidisciplinary team; attend meetings,

present clinical information and observations, provide consultation and

assistance to staff in other disciplines; coordinate the care and treatment

planning of individuals served by the team.

• While the CMSO Clinician primarily engages in clinical case management, the practitioner might be called on to conduct clinical assessments using standardized instruments and evaluation protocols; develop person-centered and goal-oriented treatment plans. Where indicated, recommend a higher level of care and complete referrals for specialized services.

• While the CMSO Clinician primarily engages in Clinical case management, the practitioner might be called on to provide direct mental health counseling and psychotherapy to individuals and families, including using tele-health technologies.

• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention when indicated.

• Document and maintain youth records, including contact notes, treatment plans, assessments, clinical recommendations, and collateral contacts, in accordance with state regulations and DJJOY policies.

• Collaborate with other clinical and community staff to develop and support discharge and aftercare service plans. The CMSO clinician might be called upon to assist facility clinicians with identifying community providers and scheduling appointments for continuity of care services for youth coming out of OCFS facilities.

Additional Comments Telecommuting is available for this position, however, it is at the sole discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships when a candidate may be considered. Telecommuting applications will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis in accordance with the OCFS Telecommuting Pilot Program Policy.

• For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non- competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Background Investigation Requirements:

1. All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment.
   
   Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.

2. All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

3. For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.