Occ. Code 8115600

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST, GRADE 16

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

          Residential Program Specialists supervise and provide services to individuals diagnosed with mental illness residing in a State Operated Community Residence (SOCR) or State Operated Residential Care Center for Adults (SORCCA). Incumbents assist in the management, administration, and implementation of residential programs and operations; service planning, development, and coordination; and resident intake, admission, and discharge programs and activities. 

          Positions are classified in the Office of Mental Health. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

          RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST: under the general direction of a Residential Program Manager, assists in the management and administration of a SOCR or SORCCA; provides, monitors, and coordinates residential program services; and supervises the activities of residential program staff. 

RELATED CLASSES

          Residential Program Assistants supervise Mental Health Therapy Aides on an assigned shift providing direct care services to individuals diagnosed with mental illness residing in a SOCR or SORCCA.  

          Residential Program Managers oversee and manage the overall operations of SOCR(s) or SORCCA(s); and supervise, coordinate, and direct the activities of clinical, residential program, and direct care staff.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Provides and monitors residential program services in a SOCR or SORCCA.

· Advises residents in the use of appropriate coping and living skills to assist them remain stable and in recovery from a mental health perspective; and conducts and documents self-preservation tests to ensure potential resident safety.

· Evaluates and appraises community resources and supports; attends community treatment meetings with residents; and assists them in navigating the social services system.

· Participates in the development of individual service plans and coordinates services with the clinical team.

· Reviews resident charts to ensure that they receive daily services, such as medical care, financial advocacy, educational services, and recreational activities, in accordance with service plans; and monitors their progress towards recovery goals.

· Responds to and assists in crisis and emergency situations following established guidelines, procedures, and techniques.

Reviews, completes, and coordinates resident admission and discharge planning programs and activities.

· In coordination with the Residential Program Manager, reviews resident placement referrals; arranges visits; and interviews potential residents.

· Coordinates resident intake and admission activities; completes required records and documentation; and ensures the completion of progress notes for the development of initial service plans.

· Completes discharge plans and termination summaries; notifies appropriate clinics to ensure that residents receive the necessary care to remain in the community; and transports residents to new residential settings.

Assists in the management and administration of a SOCR or SORCCA; and supervises and coordinates the activities of residential program staff.

· Determines staff assignments; evaluates performance; monitors time and attendance; identifies training needs; and provides and/or arranges for the provision of training.

· In coordination with the Residential Program Manager, schedules resident activities and supervision to ensure adequate staffing levels are met; and conducts admission committee and residential program meetings to coordinate resident, safety, care, and training activities.

· Submits requests for supplies, equipment, and services to the Residential Program Manager to maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for residents.

· May serve as an assistant to the Residential Program Manager and as manager of the residence in his/her absence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Promotion: one year of service as a Mental Hygiene Therapy Assistant 1 or 2; Recreation Assistant; Recreation Worker; Rehabilitation Assistant 1 or 2; Residential Program Assistant 1 or 2; or Social Work Assistant 1 or 2.

Open Competitive: a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental illness.

Date: 10/2019

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.