Posting number: 02062
Department: MH-DS
Job classification: Mental Health Program Specialist 2 - MH/DS
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Social Services
SummaryThe Mental Health Program Specialist 2 serves as an administrative mental health professional with primary responsibility for overseeing adult mental health services across Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. These services include inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, crisis intervention, case management, emergency services, and base service units. Operating with a high degree of independence, this position ensures effective collaboration with various mental health providers throughout Pennsylvania. The role plays a key part in service planning, budgeting, compliance, and performance monitoring.Additionally, this position plays a central role in the oversight and coordination of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs, as well as the Treatment Court Expansion Grant and PCCD Grant programs, which support cross-system collaboration, community wellness, criminal justice reform, and recovery support for justice-involved individuals. Examples of duties
- Review county mental health expenditures, purchase requests, and contracts, including service billing invoices, to ensure compliance and authorize reimbursement.
- Develop, analyze, and coordinate policy planning and budgets for adult mental health services and ancillary programs.
- Monitor funding allocations, contract amendments, Medical Assistance (MA) expenditures, and year-end budget adjustments.
- Assist in preparing and submitting the Human Services Block Grant Plan.
- Create and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aligned with the needs-based mental health plan to address service gaps in the community.
- Collaborate with clinical and hospital staff for patient care planning and base service unit coordination.
- Coordinate and review admissions for Luzerne and Wyoming County residents referred to state hospitals for inpatient treatment.
- Monitor utilization of state hospital bed days and outpatient medication expenditures using data-driven strategies.
- Analyze service utilization data and recommend development or restructuring for improved service efficiency.
- Work with data personnel to interpret Community Consolidated Reporting System
- (CCRS) and Performance Outcome Management System (POMS) data.
- Develop, implement, and oversee performance-based contracts aligned with recognized standards of care.
- Evaluate provider proposals and provide feasibility recommendations to the MH/DS Administrator.
- Respond to and mediate consumer and family complaints related to adult mental health services, case management, and ancillary services.
- Oversee and coordinate the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs in partnership with law enforcement, first responders, and community partners.
- Lead oversight and administration of the Treatment Court Expansion Grant, ensuring program development, inter-agency coordination, compliance, and reporting.
- Manage activities and deliverables associated with the PCCD Grant, including alignment with state priorities, implementation of funded initiatives, and timely reporting.
- Serve as the administrative mental health delegate on-call during non-business hours to support crisis and mental health staff.
- Review and process petitions for involuntary evaluation and treatment in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of mental health program planning and development as it relates to the implementation of direct services and operational procedures.
- Knowledge of modern basic management principles and practices.
- Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources as it relates to the field of mental health.
- Knowledge of the basic principles and methods involved in working with socially maladjusted or physically or mentally disabled adults and/or children.
- Knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of public and private mental health agencies and institutions.
- Knowledge of the principles and methods applied to collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data.
- Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans and operations and make recommendations leading toward policy and method determination.
- Ability to aid in the development and coordination of mental health program plans.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private agencies, community groups and organizations, federal, state and county officials and agency staff.
- Ability to plan and direct the work of a professional staff.
- Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing
RECRUITMENT METHODS:
Applicants must meet one (or more) of the following method(s) to be considered for this vacancy:
- Seniority Promotion: Bidding employees within the designated seniority unit when collective bargaining unit obligation(s) have been met then the following recruitment methods may be used:
- Transfer
- Reassignment
ELIGIBILITY - ALL CANDIDATE{S):
1.) Must meet the minimum experience and training (METS) required for the job. The METs for this position are:
One year as a County Mental Health Program Specialist 1; or Three years of professional level experience in the field of mental health; and a bachelor's degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
- Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania’s mental health systems, regulations, and funding mechanisms.
- Demonstrated experience in program planning, grant oversight, contract management, and inter-agency collaboration.
- Familiarity or experience with CIT, CISM, Treatment Court, and PCCD grant programs is preferred.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage complex administrative tasks
2.) Be a resident of Pennsylvania
3.) Be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations
SELECTION CRITERIA:
1.) Meet the minimum experience and training required for the job.
2.) Meritorious Service- defined as:
- The absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date on the posting
- The last due overall regular or probationary performance evaluation was higher than unsatisfactory
3.) Seniority - defined as: a minimum of six months in the next lower class(es) by the closing date of this posting 08/05/2026.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
1.) Interested qualified applicants must submit all the requested materials as specified in the "How to Apply." Failure to comply with the above application requirements will eliminate you from consideration for this position.
2.) Additional information may be obtained by contacting:
Megan Stone
Human Services Division Head
570-826-8800
Megan.stone.ohs@luzernecounty.org
POSITION DETAILS:
Full-time
Permanent
Union
Non-Exempt
Pay Range: 41
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
HOW TO APPLY:All CANDIDATES must apply and submit an application via:https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/luzernecountyIf you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations for the interview due to a disability, please advise the interviewer of the accommodations you require well in advance of the scheduled date.