MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - HILO, HAWAII ISLAND

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Island of Hawaii
Job Type: Various
Job Number: 24-0211
Department: Health
Opening Date: 04/22/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number 24-0211
Salary: $5,918 to $7,198 per month (SR-24, Step D to I)
Note : Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.
A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaii's Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.
Duties Summary
Positions in this class provide mental health clinical services to consumers, usually diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), in settings such as, but not limited to, community mental health centers, hospitals, institutional facilities or other public health settings. Work is typically performed as part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of psychiatrists, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), clinical psychologists, social workers, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and/or mental health counselors.
The work performed by positions in this class include mental health assessments; eligibility determinations; diagnoses, treatment including psychotherapy or psychotherapeutic techniques; crisis intervention; consumer-centered advocacy; consultation; and evaluation; and typically falls within the following areas: Clinical Social Work Practice, Marriage and Family Therapy Practice and Mental Health Counseling Practice.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Legal Authorization to Work:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
Education:
Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree with a minimum of twelve (12) semester credit hours in psychology, social work or other related social/behavior science.
General Experience:
One and one-half (1-1/2) years of responsible professional work experience which required a high degree of analytical skills. Such experience must have involved gathering, evaluating and analyzing facts and other pertinent information required to resolve problems and/or to determine and recommend appropriate courses of action; demonstrated the ability to elicit information orally and in writing; reading, comprehending, interpreting and evaluating technical subjects, analysis or proposals; and applying problem solving methods and techniques, such as defining and analyzing problems, identifying alternative courses of action, using judgment in determining appropriate alternatives; and preparing clear and concise written reports and recommendations for action.
Specialized Experience:
Two (2) years of professional experience providing mental health clinical services to individuals, couples, families and/or groups with mental illness(es). Such experience must have included the provision of mental health assessments and evaluations to determine current level of functioning, strengths and needs identification; development of treatment plan; clinical diagnoses and provision of mental health services to consumers with a wide range of psychiatric and psychosocial behavioral problems.
Substitution Allowed:
Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualifications Requirements, will apply.
The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE .
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Other Information
The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0936 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click:
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI'I
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employee's work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaii's Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY) Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?

• State Recruiting Office
• Job Announcement Posting (Visit to the State Recruiting Office or Workforce Development Office)
• Job Fairs
• Consolidated Theatres
• TheBus
• Shopping Mall Advertisements
• Print Advertisements
• Word of Mouth (State of Hawaii Employee, Speaker at a Presentation, School Counselor, etc.)
• Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS)
• SkillBridge Program
• LinkedIn
• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Governmentjobs.com
• Internships
• Other

02
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower score. Do not submit a resume in lieu of completing the Supplemental Questions.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as directed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, applicants must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
Any information you submit may be verified. Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office via email, fax or USPS as soon as possible. Our mailing address is: State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development, 235 South Beretania Street--11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Documents should be identified by job title and recruitment number.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to all of the above.

03
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified. In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position. Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be prorated. Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be prorated to six months of experience. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited. Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to all of the above.

04
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
A link to the Minimum Qualification Requirements has been provided in the job announcement. Please review the requirements in their entirety.

• I acknowledge that I have accessed the link provided, and have read and understand the Minimum Qualification Requirements in their entirety.

05
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Please indicate how you meet this requirement by selecting one of following choices. (Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements for more detailed information.)
In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application, if you have not already done so.
NOTE: If you are using relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree to fulfill the Education Requirement, clearly describe this work experience in your application. In order to receive credit, this experience must be comparable in scope, level, and quality to knowledge and skills gained via completion of study leading to a Bachelor's degree as specified in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.

• I do not possess a Bachelor's degree.
• I do not possess a Bachelor's degree, but possess excess Specialized Experience, or other responsible administrative, professional or analytical work experience as fully described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
• I have a combination of completion of partial university curriculum, and administrative or professional experience comparable to successful study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university.
• I possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university but NOT with the course work described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
• I possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a minimum of twelve (12) semester credit hours in psychology, social work or other related social/behavioral science.

06
GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many years of responsible professional general work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, do you possess?

• No experience.
• Less than one and one-half (1-1/2) years of experience.
• One and one-half (1-1/2) years but less than two and one-half (2-1/2) years of experience.
• Two and one-half (2-1/2) years but less than three and one-half (3-1/2) years of experience.
• Three and one-half (3-1/2) years but less than four and one-half (4-1/2) years of experience.
• Four and one-half (4-1/2) years but less than five and one-half (5-1/2) years of experience.
• Five and one-half (5-1/2) years or more of experience.

07
GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT (Continued)
If you answered "No Experience," to question #6 above, indicate "N/A" below.
If you possess the General Experience provide the following information below.
All employers listed here must be included on your application. Any information you submit may be verified.
Treat each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately.
The information for EACH employer should include:
A. Employer, complete dates (Month/year to Month/year), and your official job title;
B. Average number of hours per week spent collectively on duties below;
C. Brief description of employer (e.g., government or private firm, self-employment, etc.), kinds of services provided, and primary clientele (describe);
D. Which department or section did you work in? What were the number and type of professional staff you worked with?;
E. What was the primary function of your position? Your major duties and responsibilities?;
F. Describe your experience, if any, in each of the following areas. Include your specific role, the steps you took and relevant examples to illustrate the scope and extent of your responsibilities. Treat each area separately and in the order given. If no experience in an area, so state:
1) Gathering, evaluating, and analyzing facts and other relevant information required to resolve problems. What kinds of problems did you resolve? What steps did you take?;
2) Elicit information orally and in writing. What kinds of information did you elicit and how did you obtain them? From whom? For what purpose were you required to elicit such information?;
3) Reading, comprehending, interpreting, and evaluating technical subjects, analysis or proposals. What types of technical subjects? For what purpose did you have to read or analyze them? What did you do with your findings?;
4) Applying problem solving methods and techniques. What were these methods and techniques (e.g. defining and analyzing problems, identifying alternative courses of action, determining appropriate alternatives and why, etc)?; and
5) Preparing clear and concise reports? what kinds of reports or subject did you cover? Describe if there were verbal and/or written reports. What kinds of recommendations for action did you make? For whom did you prepare these reports?
G. How did your duties and level of authority differ from those of your supervisor?
08
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many years of progressively responsible professional specialized work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, do you possess?

• No experience.
• Less than one (1) year of experience.
• One (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience.
• Three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience.
• Four (4) years but less than five (5) years of experience.
• Five (5) years but less than six (6) years of experience.
• Six (6) years or more of experience.

09
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT (Continued)
If you answered "No Experience," to question #8 above, indicate "N/A" below.
If you possess the Specialized Experience provide the following information. Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately.
The information for each employer should include:
A. Employer, your job title and dates of employment.
B. Describe this employer. What kinds of services did it provide? Who was it primary clientele?
C. What was the primary function of your position? What were your major duties and responsibilities?
D. Please describe your duties, if any, with this employer as they demonstrated your professional experience in providing mental health clinical services to individuals, couples, families and/or groups with mental illness(es). Include your specific role, the steps you took and relevant examples.
E. Please describe your professional experience, if any, with this employer in the following areas. Include your specific role, the steps you took and relevant examples. Treat each area separately and in the order presented.
1) Provision of mental health assessments and evaluations to determine current level of functioning, strengths and needs identification;
2) Development of treatment plan;
3) Clinical diagnosis ; and
4) Provision of mental health services to consumers with a wide range of psychiatric and psychosocial behavior problems.
F. How did your duties and authority differ from those of your supervisor?
10
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Do you possess a Master's degree as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements?

• No I do not possess a master's degree.
• Yes I do possess a master's degree but NOT as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
• Yes I do possess a master's degree as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.

11
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
The following licenses are NOT REQUIRED but may receive added credits in the selection process.
To be awarded extra credit, you must submit a legible copy of your valid license by attaching it to your online application.
Do you possess a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist or Mental Health Counselor , in the State of Hawaii?

• Yes
• No

Required Question