Mental Health Specialist

YMCA
Salary
$54,595.00
$70,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
The Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.
Job Description
We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.

Under the direction of the Mental Health Director, the Mental Health Specialist will support a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, optimistic, nurturing, and determined. The incumbent supports mental health promotion, prevention, early identification, training, and educational needs of and related to youth, adolescents, adults, and communities. The Mental Health Specialist will collaborate with team leaders across the Association to help maximize opportunities for growth in this area of focus.

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is dedicated to ensuring that every individual in the communities we serve has access to the essentials necessary to learn, grow, and thrive. Through this effort, we are happy to be the recipient of 2023 Federal Appropriation for Mental Health Grant available for one year. This position will be a one-year, fixed-term appointment during the grant period.

Qualifications
  • Minimum Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred, in a field focused on mental health, psychology, counseling, etc.
  • Licensed in the state of New Jersey to practice in relevant field/at appropriate level, such as CSW, LSW, LCSW, LPC, etc.
  • Working knowledge of community mental health and behavioral systems and resources for youth, families, adults, and communities.
  • Demonstrated ability to carry out programming in a way that is culturally competent.
  • Passion for the YMCA mission.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and Zoom.
  • Experience in working collaboratively with volunteers and staff.
  • Strong writing, organizational, presentation and communication skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and demonstrate out of the box thinking.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, volunteers, members, senior leaders, and the public.
  • Understanding of and enthusiasm for the mission of the YMCA. Motivated while working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work with integrity, discretion, and a professional approach.
  • Must have reliable transportation, as there is some travel between branches within the Metro YMCA of the Oranges territory.
Essential Functions
  • Assist with the development, coordination, and execution of mental health and behavioral programming across all assigned Association branches.
  • Assist with the development, coordination, and execution of mental health staff training across all assigned Association branches.
  • Engage community partners in the areas of mental health education and programming.
  • Promote awareness of mental health issues and available services for members, program participants, parents/caregivers, and the public at large.
  • Lead social-emotional learning and behavioral support activities with youth attending early childhood, school-aged, and summer camp programs across the assigned Association branches.
  • Lead mental health promotion and early identification programming, workshops, and training with adult members and communities across the assigned Association branches.
  • Work with site leaders across all assigned Association branches and programs to ensure an environment that promotes emotional and behavioral health and is trauma-informed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising. 

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Required Certifications
  • Licensed in the state of New Jersey to practice in relevant field/at appropriate level, such as CSW, LSW, LCSW, LPC, etc.