Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY HELPS)

Date Posted: 07/30/26

Applications Due: 08/14/26

Vacancy ID: 220921

Position Information

NY HELPYes

AgencyChildren & Family Services, Office of

TitleLicensed Mental Health Counselor (NY HELPS)

Occupational CategoryHealth Care, Human/Social Services

Salary Grade19

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $70579 to $89645 Annually

Employment TypeFull-Time

Appointment TypePermanent

Jurisdictional ClassCompetitive Class

Travel Percentage0%

Schedule

WorkweekMon-Fri

Hours Per Week37.5

Workday

From6 AM

To6 PM

Flextime allowed?No

Mandatory overtime?No

Compressed workweek allowed?No

Telecommuting allowed?Yes

Location

CountyOneida

Street AddressUtica CMSO

207 Genesse Street, Room 409

CityUtica

StateNY

Zip Code13501

Job Specifics

Duties DescriptionThe CMSO LMHC reports to the CMSO Regional Supervisor and BBHS Social Work Supervisor and provides clinical case management services to youth and their families or caregivers. The CMSO clinician plays a critical role as a member of the youth's support team. As such, the clinician works to assist the team in understanding youth holistically; conceptualizing those behaviors directly related to the youth's placement in the context of familial, community, cultural and developmental experiences. The clinician continually assesses and draws upon the strengths and assets of youth and their caregivers to facilitate insight, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and spiritual growth/wellness.

Serve as an active member of a multidisciplinary team; attend meetings,

present clinical information and observations, provide consultation and

assistance to staff in other disciplines; coordinate the care and treatment

planning of individuals served by the team.

While the CMSO Clinician primarily engages in clinical case management, the practitioner might be called on to conduct clinical assessments using standardized instruments and evaluation protocols; develop person-centered and goal-oriented treatment plans. Where indicated, recommend a higher level of care and complete referrals for specialized services.

While the CMSO Clinician primarily engages in Clinical case management, the practitioner might be called on to provide direct mental health counseling and psychotherapy to individuals and families, including using tele-health technologies.

Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention when indicated.

Document and maintain youth records, including contact notes, treatment plans, assessments, clinical recommendations, and collateral contacts, in accordance with state regulations and DJJOY policies.

Collaborate with other clinical and community staff to develop and support discharge and aftercare service plans. The CMSO clinician might be called upon to assist facility clinicians with identifying community providers and scheduling appointments for continuity of care services for youth coming out of OCFS facilities.

Minimum QualificationsTransfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer.

Must maintain a valid New York State license and registration.

Open to the Public: Possession of a license and current registration as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State.

Must maintain a valid New York State license and registration.

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Additional CommentsTelecommuting is available for this position, however, it is at the sole discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships when a candidate may be considered. Telecommuting applications will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis in accordance with the OCFS Telecommuting Pilot Program Policy

*For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non- competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Background Investigation Requirements:

1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.

2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS's mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

NameNew York State Office of Children and Family Services

Telephone518-473-7936

Fax518-473-6122

Email Addresseoajobpostings@ocfs.ny

Address

StreetBureau of Personnel - MG

52 Washington Street, 231 North

CityRensselaer

StateNY

Zip Code12144

Notes on ApplyingQualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.