Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II - Full Time - 988 BUC Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Medical and Patient Services Department UBHC Lifeline National Backup Overview Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.  Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a full time Mental Health Specialist II for the 988 Lifeline Services Call Center within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Mental Health Specialist II is to perform functions in support of the Unit’s mission providing streamlined, prompt, and “customer friendly” services to clients of the 988 Lifeline Services. Receives telephone, chat and/or text requests for service, undertakes assessment of the service need of the client and responds by offering support and appropriate referrals or disposition. Demonstrates competency in recognizing the unique needs of clients and applying relevant assessment and support skills with regard to a wide range of issues.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

Models for clients’ good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies. Assists clients in identifying their personal recovery goals, assists in setting objectives for each goal, and determines interventions to be used based on the client’s recovery/life goals.  Develops and maintains a relationship with clients so that they can identify emotional, psychiatric or behavioral changes which may require further intervention or treatment. Helps the client effectively address the problem, and/or refers the clients to the appropriate clinical staff. As part of the Call Center, actively participates in ensuring that all service requests are handled in an effective and “client friendly” manner. Assesses service requests/referrals and responds in accordance with prescribed procedures. Assesses client’s condition in order to make/authorize an appropriate disposition.  Assumes overall responsibilities for completion of all request and documentation for disposition. Acquires familiarity with other providers, and other pertinent organizations and resources, in order to facilitate telephone calls, chats and/or texts activities, develops work relationships, and provides information and guidance to clients. Position Status Full Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Rotating Work Arrangement Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.  FLSA Nonexempt Grade 187 Position Salary $26.39 per hour Annual Minimum Salary 53144.00 Annual Mid Range Salary 54184.00 Annual Maximum Salary 55806.40 Standard Hours 40.00 Union Description Teamsters 97 Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.



Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility PERS