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Office of Administration

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Program Specialist Trainee (Mental Health)

This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
4537
Annual Salary Range:
$32,400.00 – $51,468.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$1,350.00 – $2,144.50
Pay Grade: 
05
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Definition

This is trainee-level professional work assisting in implementing regional and/or statewide programs or services, and/or performing abuse/neglect investigations, for persons with mental illness, and/or developmental disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

(The following minimum qualifications will determine eligibility. Experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from registers.)

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and,

Two or more years of experience in mental health, public health, environmental health, education, social services, adult corrections, probation and parole, public administration, business administration, and/or a closely related area.

(A combination of education from an accredited college or university and experience described may substitute for the stated qualifications.)

Special Requirements

By assignment, a position may require possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Job Duties

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Receives instruction and training in departmental programs and/or services by assisting in: abuse/neglect investigations, program maintenance, and/or other assignments of similar scope and responsibility.

Assists in or conducts abuse/neglect investigations; initiates investigation in compliance with Department Operating Regulations; conducts preliminary fact gathering; interviews staff, consumers, and other persons involved in alleged incident; and develops investigative reports based on findings.

Assists in researching policies, procedures, treatment plans, records, and service delivery systems; conducts entrance and exit interviews; and documents survey findings.

Assists in training service providers, community groups, and other interested groups and individuals on program philosophies, standards, policies, and procedures.

Receives training from higher-level program staff in evaluating needs and resources, drafting service proposals, developing contract management plans, forensic certification, and/or interviewing techniques, as appropriate to assignment.

Collects information on program activities and shares with higher-level program staff for informational and public relations purposes.

Studies current trends and policy issues to obtain knowledge of the field.

Assists in coordinating special events, seminars, and training related to the program or service areas.

Assists with presentations to advocacy groups, civic and community organizations, and/or contractors to inform them of program goals and services, and to enlist their cooperation in program activities.

Receives close supervision from a designated program staff member.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Key Skills

Intermediate knowledge of mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders, including their effects on the individual, family, community, and human services systems.

Introductory knowledge of investigation and forensic interviewing techniques.

Introductory knowledge of specific certification, licensing, or accreditation standards required for treatment programs.

Introductory knowledge of the network of services and organizations available for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders.

Skill in determining risk of abuse and/or neglect.

Ability to apply inductive and deductive reasoning in assessing facts, principles, policies, and regulations to draw conclusions regarding abuse/neglect investigations.

Ability to work independently in obtaining information and evaluating records to assess legal and departmental standards compliance.

Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively.

Ability to consult effectively with program directors, facility and division staff, advisory and planning councils, community and law enforcement agencies, client advocacy groups, service providers, facility staff, and clients.

Ability to travel, including overnight stays.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and make recommendations in accordance with program policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other local, regional, state, and/or national agencies, professional and community groups, and the general public.

(Revised 9/1/18)