**Mental Health Specialist II - Part Time - 988 Chat & Text Support Specialist at blithequark**

Are you passionate about providing exceptional support to individuals in need? Do you have a strong background in mental health and human services? We're seeking a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Specialist II to join our team at blithequark, a leading provider of behavioral health services in New Jersey. As a part-time Mental Health Specialist II, you will play a vital role in supporting the Lifeline National Backup Center, providing streamlined, prompt, and customer-friendly services to clients in crisis. **About blithequark** blithequark is a renowned organization that has been serving the behavioral health needs of New Jersey residents for over 50 years. With a budget of $260 million and 15 sites throughout the state, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and crisis stabilization. Our team of 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education, making us one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country. **Job Summary** As a Mental Health Specialist II, you will be responsible for providing support and guidance to clients in crisis, assessing their needs, and connecting them with appropriate resources. You will work closely with our team to develop and maintain relationships with clients, advocate for their needs, and facilitate structured skill trainings. Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills will enable you to respond to incoming calls, chats, and texts in a courteous and helpful manner. **Key Responsibilities** * Assist clients in identifying their personal recovery goals, setting objectives, and determining interventions to achieve their goals * Develop and maintain relationships with clients to identify emotional, psychiatric, or behavioral changes that may require further intervention or treatment * Advocate for appropriate resources for clients and third parties based on assessed needs * Facilitate structured skill trainings, such as social skills, assertiveness, anger management, symptom management, and psycho-education on various mental health issues * Promptly accept service requests, respond to incoming calls, chats, and texts within prescribed timeframes * Respond to contacts with clients or third parties in an appropriately courteous and helpful fashion * Assess service requests/referrals and respond in accordance with prescribed procedures * Assess client's condition to make/authorize an appropriate disposition **Qualifications** * Four (4) years of full-time paid experience in an appropriate mental health or human service field or a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant mental health or human service field * Certifications/Licenses: (insert relevant certifications/licenses) * Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: + Strong understanding of mental health principles and practices + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills + Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities + Strong assessment and problem-solving skills + Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information * Preferred Qualifications: + Experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors + Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques + Experience with structured skill trainings and psycho-education **Work Environment and Culture** As a part-time Mental Health Specialist II, you will work in a dynamic and supportive environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care to our clients, and we strive to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive. You will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals who share your passion for mental health and human services. **Compensation and Benefits** * Competitive hourly rate: $25.55 per hour * Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance * Generous paid time off and holidays * Opportunities for professional growth and development * Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options **How to Apply** If you are a motivated and compassionate individual who is passionate about mental health and human services, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, through our online application system. We look forward to hearing from you! **Equal Employment Opportunity Statement** blithequark is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment. **Posting Details** * Posting Number: 24ST1484 * Posting Open Date: (insert date) * Special Instructions to Applicants: (insert instructions) * Regional Campus: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) * Home Location: Campus Piscataway (RBHS) * City: Piscataway * State: NJ * Location Details: (insert location details) **Pre-employment Screenings** All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, including immunization requirements. Apply for this job