MH Program Specialist 1 - HealthChoices
Must apply on external site: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northamptoncounty
Application deadline is January 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST. Applicants will not be contacted until after this date. Internal applicants will be considered before external applicants.
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (in person)
Pension retirement plan [20 years of service = full retirement at age 55 OR any # of years = full retirement at age 60]
Internal growth opportunities!
Low-cost Medical/Prescription/Dental/Rx all offered at one rate (% of salary)
PPO or High Deductible PPO with employer HSA contribution
11 paid holidays
Salary: New employees will receive the minimum starting salary for this position. The starting salary is non-negotiable.
Job Description
GENERAL PURPOSE
The MH Program Specialist 1 – HealthChoices position (Quality Improvement Coordinator) is an administrative position, involving specialized tasks specific to the review, analysis, evaluation, monitoring, and coordination of quality assurance/quality improvement activities of the Northampton County Behavioral HealthChoices Program (BHC), as well as assistance to the HealthChoices Coordinator regarding Reinvestment planning, program development, and program monitoring.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the HealthChoices Coordinator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not exercise supervision over other employees or functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Collect, review, analyze, evaluate, monitor, and coordinate all quality assurance/quality improvement activities for the BHC program in order to meet all objectives and requirements.
Identification and implementation of the BHC Program standards by which to monitor and measure the subcontracted Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations (BH-MCO) performance. This includes the identification and refinement of data elements pertinent to measurement standards necessary in the BH-MCO oversight reporting process.
Interprets regulations, policies, and procedures, which govern BHC programming and summarizes information used by the BHC program.
Assists in the identification and implementation of guidelines and operational strategies to address agency policy and program objectives to ensure quality management (quality improvement, quality assurance, continuous quality control) within the BHC program.
Participates in the assessment of BHC program needs and utilization management requirements along with providing recommendation as to problem solving strategies related to quality management issues.
Participation in the Complaint and Grievance process. This may include scheduling the hearing, facilitating or chairing the Hearing, participation as a Panel Member, preparation of the official decision letter, and any follow-up duties assigned.
Develops and prepares periodic reports for management, Community Healthcare Alliance (CHA), and the HealthChoices Advisory Board review and attends CHA and Advisory Board and may have to take minutes or chair the meetings.
Assistance to the HealthChoices Coordinator in developing programs outlined in the Reinvestment Plan. This may include development of Request for Proposals (RFP), program development with the provider/providers selected, monitoring of progress toward program start-up, preparation of reporting as well as any required updates or revisions.
Attends all QM meetings such as the QM’s Regional, PEPS, PIPS, PQAC, Lehigh Capital Area BH PH and our monthly Operations meetings.
May cover attendance on complex case reviews/multi system meetings for both adults and children in the Administrators absence.
Performs other related duties as required.
*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Two (2) years of professional level experience in the field of mental health and a bachelor’s degree; OR
Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and resources as it relates to the field of mental health.
Knowledge of the structure, organization, and methods of public and private mental health agencies and institutions.
Knowledge of principles and methods applied to collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data.
Knowledge of federal, state and county legislation, policies and procedures related to the mental health delivery system. This includes the Department of Human Services (DHS), County MH/D&A/DP and having a familiarity with Managed Care Organizations.
Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans and operations and make recommendations leading toward policy and method determination.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private contract providers, community groups, and county and state officials and agency staff.
Ability to make clear and pertinent statements, orally and in writing.
Knowledge of Excel, Word and Power Point.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the office is moderately quiet. Employee may also work in other work environments to include, schools, businesses, public spaces, mobile outreach vehicle, and other community agencies. Work environment can range from quiet to loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)
DESIGNATION: HUMAN SERVICES
PAY GRADE: HS-39
UNION STATUS: NON-UNION
Created January 2025