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Mental Health Program Aide Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM AIDE DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This work involves responsibility for the provision of respite care and parenting services to families of seriously emotionally disturbed children. The incumbent is responsible for monitoring children by providing them with and/or engaging them in appropriate activities. Specific tasks will vary depending on the level of respite care that a family needs. A Mental Health Program Aide works under the general supervision of the Family Support Services Director. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Provides respite care to family members of the seriously emotionally disturbed child or children; Provides safe supervision to the seriously emotionally disturbed child or children either in a group setting or one-on–one; Develops age appropriate recreational activities for the seriously emotionally disturbed child in a group or a one-on-one meeting; Models parenting behavior in order to teach parents appropriate behaviors; Keeps basic records such as recording activities and progress; Assists parents by demonstrating productive family interaction techniques in order to empower them, reduce their frustration and to restore and/or maintain stability in the home; Provides in-home parenting services, including family assessments and teaching behavior management techniques; Plans transportation to and from services or programs in the community; Relieves parents of seriously emotionally disturbed children from parenting duties for a limited period of time; Attends progress meetings and bi-weekly parenting classes; Provides a good example to children and parents in the areas of cleanliness and proper manners. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of emotional illness in children and youth; Working knowledge of effective parenting behaviors; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with seriously emotionally disturbed children and their parents; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain discipline; Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; Ability to plan and oversee the activities of others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. ---PAGE BREAK--- Mental Health Program Aide Page 2 I 2 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Graduation from NYS registered or regionally accredited two (2)-year college with an Associate’s Degree or higher in Human Services or related field AND one year of full-time paid or the equivalent part-time and/or volunteer experience providing support services to persons in the community; OR Graduation from high school or possession of a general equivalency diploma AND three years of experience as stated in OR An equivalent combination of training and experience. NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee.