Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II - Part Time - 988 Chat & Text Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare - Medical and Patient Services Department UBHC 988 Chat & Text 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 part-time Mental Health Specialist II within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. 

The primary purpose of the part-time 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 Lifeline National Backup Center. 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: 

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. Advocates for appropriate resources for client and third parties based on assessed needs. May facilitate structured skill trainings, such as social skills, assertiveness, anger management, symptom management and psycho-education on a variety of mental health issues. Promptly accepts service requests, responds to incoming calls, chats and/or texts within prescribed timeframe. Responds to contacts with clients or third parties in an appropriately courteous, helpful fashion. Responds to referrals, inquiries, and other contacts with professionals, outside agencies and other parties in a professional and cordial manner. Assesses service requests/referrals and responds in accordance with prescribed procedures. Assesses client’s condition in order to make/authorize an appropriate disposition.  Position Status Part Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Night Work Arrangement Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement.  The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.  FLSA Nonexempt Grade 1875 Position Salary $25.55 per hour Annual Minimum Salary 25.550 Annual Mid Range Salary 26.050 Annual Maximum Salary 26.830 Standard Hours 40.00 Union Description Teamsters 97 <20 HRS Eiligible 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 None