Summary of position:
This full-time position reports directly to the Clinical and Medical Directors of Mental Health in the Division of Correctional Health Services and is responsible for assisting them in the executive management and strategic development of their respective services (psychiatry, social work, creative art therapy, psychology and counseling) in the NYC jail system. The expectation is that the Special Assistant will support the Clinical and Medical Directors and coordinate among the Chief of Service, other Directors and Deputy Directors, mental health line staff, Department of Correction (DOC) personnel, and CHS leadership to carry out key projects and ensure that the operations of their services are managed effectively.
Approximately 25% of new admissions per year to the 12 facilities in the NYC jail system will receive care on the Mental Health Service. The service strives to provide safe, holistic and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for the diverse range of mental health issues that face the population, from serious mental illness to the natural struggles that accompany incarceration. The service provides some of the most comprehensive and unique treatment modalities in the country, including specialty housing units for individuals with serious mental illness, a 24-hour on-call psychiatric service, robust creative arts programming, a strong DBT training program, clinics in each of the facilities, substance use treatment, integrated re-entry services, and relationships with multiple training institutions throughout the city..
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist the Clinical and Medical Directors in strategic planning, organization, and implementation of programs, initiatives, and quality assurance/quality improvement measures related to the provision of their services in the NYC jail system.
- Participate in and track the progress of discipline-specific meetings and planning sessions, create minutes, and communicate and follow-up actions to relevant staff.
- Serve as the Clinical and Medical Directors’ point-of-contact for mental health line staff and DOC personnel.
- Maintain databases that track key clinical, quality improvement, and staff education programs.
- Provide executive administrative assistance to the Clinical and Medical Directors, including scheduling, meeting organization and preparation of presentation material.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Clinical or Medical Director, or the Chief of Service.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications
For Assignment Level I (For physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health only)
A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.
Department Preferences:
- Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
- Mastery of Microsoft Office applications and other administrative software
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- The ability to work collaboratively with senior staff in various disciplines, including DOC staff
Education
- A Master’s Degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Business Administration or a related discipline
- Candidates currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree program described above will be considered
Experience
- At least one year of relevant experience
- Preference will be given to those with experience in a health care or correctional health care setting
- An equivalent and satisfactory combination of education and experience may be considered
Qualification Requirements:
- A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Psychology or Rehabilitation Counseling; and
- Two (2) years of full-time experience in medically-oriented health care and medical support systems environment, one (1) year of which included experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity in such occupations as physical, occupational, inhalation, speech and audiology therapy or as Medical/Laboratory Technologist, Microbiologist (various specialties), Chemist (biochemist), Radiation and X-Ray Technician; or two (2) years of responsible level experience in business management systems or general administration including one (1) year in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or
- A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in disciplines listed in “1” above; and
- Three (3) years of full-time experience, as described in “2” above, including two (2) years of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity in occupations, as listed in “2” above; or
- A satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
