PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER

Clarification from the agency

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: AREA I - All permanent and indefinite Title 32 and Title 5 Technicians currently working in the Maine National Guard, assigned to the Medical Command.

Located at the Joint Force Headquarter State (JFHQ-State), the primary purpose of this position is to provide preventive, remedial, and support services aimed at improving and sustaining the psychological health of National Guard (NG) military members and their families. As part of the Office of the State Surgeon the incumbent exercises technical oversight, plans, coordinates, monitors and provides access to a full range of professional services for the eligible populations served. Duties focus on outreach, education and prevention, needs-based and psychosocial assessment, diagnosis, short-term problem resolution, and provision of or referral to evidenced-based interventions. Responsibilities include providing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs, specialty training for NG health care professionals and other personnel on issues related to the psychological health of Guardsmen and their families, and multi-level community organization, collaboration, and enhancement.

1. Serves as the National Guard community liaison with military and non-military agencies to promote and achieve timely information exchange, coordinate collaborative prevention efforts, and establish and maintain an extensive array of resources, associations, and community partnerships. Participates in community activities to incorporate complex strategies that enhance community strengths, reduces broad-based community needs, implements community problem solving methods, and forges community connections to promote psychologically healthy lifestyles. Ensures that curriculums and community intervention initiatives for each prevention program are research-based and supported by the literature. Participates in relevant committee meetings to provide input and obtain information related to psychological health issues. Coordinates substantial findings and possible effects of outreach efforts with the State Surgeon and key leaders to ensure they remain current on issues related to the psychological health program. Liaison between community agencies, including medical agencies, schools, shelters, childcare, and family support centers providing access to services that can improve and/or sustain the psychological health of National Guardsmen and families. Represents the community outreach and prevention initiatives and programs professionally and appropriately. Coordinates findings and possible effects with the State Surgeon in an effective and timely manner.2. Conducts needs assessments, intake evaluations, and psycho-diagnostic assessments. Psychological health assessments and individual consultation to facilitate coordination of counseling, and other services promoting psychological health. Provide clinical intake interviews with clients, to include family history, biopsychosocial history, developmental and health histories, together with any relevant secondary information. Assesses individuals to explore the development of behavior patterns, mechanisms, and symptoms; determines the facts concerning clients' problems, strengths, and the underlying causes to assess the needs of the individual and/or family, and within the context of their military affiliation. Social assessments may include financial, adaptive, social functioning of family, social relationships and situations, and any other contributory information. Performs risk assessments and determines degrees of danger posed by clients. Individuals requiring clinical interventions (i.e., clinical treatment) for other than short-term problem resolution should immediately be referred to an appropriate and competent clinical professional. Responsible for knowledge of state and professional licensing and ethical practice guidelines. Carries professional responsibility for findings, interpretations, decisions, recommendations, reports and services. Provides short-term, evidence-based problem resolution. Establishes a resolution plan, annotates adjustments to resolution plan as required over the brief course of counseling prior to any necessary referral. Ensures resolution plans identify the patient's problems, strengths, weaknesses/limitations, coping skills, and necessary assistance from others. Applies multiple techniques including individual, group, couples, family, supportive, crisis intervention, and behavioral interventions or other recognized resolution strategies based upon accepted theories, principles, and practices. Ensures case records meet the standards of The Joint Commission (TJC), Integrates findings, referral, and assessment, using assessment guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association, screens records and personnel for security clearances and makes administrative recommendations.

Conditions of employment

• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must have at least 36 months experience, education or training analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; preparing reports, plans, policies and various correspondence; evaluating objectives and develop plans to facilitate the availability and effective utilization of various social science resources. Must have knowledge of the organization and its mission and utilized the organizational staff procedures. Experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of social science program operations carried out by administrative or professional personnel, or substantive administrative support functions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Possess a current, unrestricted State license to practice clinical counseling work independently.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Knowledge of psychological and behavioral health programs.

Knowledge of clinical case management and skill in maintaining individual client case documentation in accordance with regulations.

Ability to work through brief patient contacts via meetings, telephone and teleconferencing.

Ability to make quick and accurate behavioral and psychological assessments using interviews, formal screenings and consultations as appropriate.

Skill in working effectively as a team, interfacing with patients, primary care providers, consulting mental health professionals and administrative and support staff.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing:

• Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
• Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
• Education, certifications or licensures.

2. Other supporting documents:

Applicants MUST provide undergraduate transcript to meet the Basic Requirements

Incumbent is required to possess and maintain a current, active, valid and unrestricted State of Maine license/certification for independent practice in either Social Work or Clinical Psychology. If license/certification is not valid or becomes inactive after being hired, it will be grounds to terminate the incumbent.

Applicant must provide an official copy of a current, active, valid and unrestricted State of Maine license/certification.


It is highly suggested that applicants address the General and Specialized Experience required of the position within their resume or on a separate document. All information provided during the application process will be verified. Failure to address all General and Specialized Experience requirements may result in non-selection for an interview.

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