August 1, 2005

NYSRA ReSource

For Perspective and Analysis

The Source of information for providers of community-based services for people of differing abilities.

Medicaid – The Issue That Only Gets Bigger . . .

Recent events in Albany and elsewhere demonstrate that the debate over Medicaid and where it’s headed will be an ongoing and spirited one. And there is every reason to believe it will be a long and comprehensive debate that we will all need to watch closely.

The New York Times got things rolling with a series of pieces last week that focused on New York State and its Medicaid program, particularly the efficiency of the system and whether it is susceptible to fraudulent practices. In an editorial published on July 20, 2005, the Times termed the New York Medicaid program as a “honey pot for unscrupulous practitioners”.

In a reluctant nod to the Times, the Daily News chimed in a day later with an editorial of its own, chastising virtually everyone for what it called “the loss of untold millions of taxpayer dollars”.

Politicians at every level wasted no time in jumping on the bandwagon. Before the week was out, press releases from the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, the Attorney General, Senator Hillary Clinton and the Association of Counties.

A brief overview:

Governor Pataki: Released a new “five-point plan” that includes the creation of a Medicaid Inspector General (MIG); the appointment of former Federal prosecutor Paul Shechtman to recommend long-term reform of the State’s current fraud efforts; a push for approval by the Federal government of the State’s pending request to join an existing Federal Medicaid fraud detection program; measures that will expand the use of existing State resources and agencies to combat fraud.

Senate Majority Leader Bruno: Announced that the Senate Medicaid Reform Task Force will hold statewide hearings on Medicaid fraud, which he said is costing the state taxpayers billions of dollars. Senator Bruno said such fraud is “one of the underlying reasons why property taxes are so high in this state . . . .”

Attorney General Eliot Spitzer: Called the Legislature to return to Albany to pass reform legislation that he said is urgently needed to help prosecute fraud. He proposed a “false claims act” to increase penalties for fraud and to protect whistle-blowers, as well as another law that would create a new category of crimes related to health care. The package includes a Medicaid Inspector General similar to that proposed by the Governor.

Senator Clinton: Announced she is working on legislation to address fraud and abuse in the Medicaid system. Among the provisions, she said, would be a requirement that states have anti-fraud legislation and whistle-blower protections not unlike those proposed by the New York Attorney General.

Association of Counties: Announced plans to use new computer tools, provided by IBM, to scrutinize billing and weed out fraud from among Medicaid recipients.

From the volume and tone of these reactions, it is clear that the Medicaid fraud issue will be a major one – perhaps the major one – in health care discussions for some time to come. It’s significant that among those immediately expressing their concerns and their alleged remedies for Medicaid fraud in New York are a governor who may seek national election, an AG who has announced his intention to be the next governor, and a U.S. senator who may be her party’s presidential candidate in three years.

At the same time, on the national level the debate is becoming more and more elevated as well. Republican and Democrat governors from around the nation have indicated that restructuring Medicaid is perhaps the top priority of governors everywhere. Last month the National Governors Association presented Congress with a bipartisan proposal that would give states more flexibility in administering the Medicaid program to cut costs. The proposal was itself a response to the Bush Administration’s plan to cuts costs even more significantly through straight reductions of funds.

NYSRA plans to take a strong role in this area of Medicaid’s possibly shifting sands. We will continue to monitor the debate closely, inform our membership of the latest developments, and be sure to weigh in with all the principal players as the discussion continues.

Our members will receive all the support we can provide with regard to positioning them for any structural changes that may eventually come along. Best practices will be given special attention and be the subject of future trainings, as needed. And we plan to be a voice in Albany with any and all who are looking at restructuring Medicaid in any way.

As always, we would be happy to respond to questions, comments, concerns and observations that you may wish to send our way.

It is imperative that Medicaid – perhaps the most important social program for vulnerable populations in our nation – work effectively and efficiently. But as government figures – both as officials and as politicians – strive to possibly shape a new program, we must be vigilant to ensure the people we serve continue to be served, and to reassure those officials that our members share a tradition of excellence and integrity.

News from State Agencies/NYSRA Advocacy

Disability Rent Increase Exemption Program

Efforts to include people with disabilities in a program that for years has exempted low-income seniors from rent increases in jurisdictions offering rent-stabilized housing have finally found some success.

On July 12, Governor Pataki signed a state law (Chapter 188 of the Laws of 2005) that authorizes these jurisdictions – including New York City and about 15 other localities that have such programs – to include low-income households headed by people with disabilities in the rent exemption.

The program allows the localities, at their option, to expand the universe of people to whom rent increase exemptions are granted to include certain people with disabilities. Under current law - Sections 467 (b) and (c) of the Real Property Tax Law - such exemptions are granted by participating localities to low income senior citizen households living in rent controlled, rent regulated or Mitchell Lama housing when their rents exceed one-third of their income in the program commonly known as SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption).

Under SCRIE, rent increases for participants, whose incomes currently must be below $24,000 per year, are suspended, and landlords are compensated for the full amount of the foregone rent through refundable real property tax abatements. The SCRIE program is administered through the NYC Department for the Aging (rent regulated tenants), the Housing Preservation Department (Mitchell Lama tenants), and the Department of Finance (tax abatements for landlords).

The NYC Council is expected to pass conforming legislation (Intro. 667) on July 27, 2005 to enact the Disability Rent Increase Exemption Program (DRIE) as outlined in Chapter 188. The Council is also expected to pass Intro 666 on the same day, conforming to Chapter 205 of the Laws of 2005, and raising the income ceiling for SCRIE to $29,000 in $1,000 increments over the next five years, starting with $25,000 effective mid-August, 2005.

With the passage of city legislation, it will be important for all members of the disability community to get the word out to those who qualify for these exemptions. The exemption process involves the completion of an application form that must be filed for approval.

The state legislation has been a long time coming. A group known as the Fair Housing Coalition for People with Disabilities has fought for years to win the inclusion of people living with disabilities in the Senior Citizen’s Rent Increase Exemption program (SCRIE). The legislation was sponsored by Assemblymembers Scott Stringer and Pete Grannis, and Senators Martin Golden and Frank Padavan. The law will mean exemptions are available for up to 20,000 households in New York City alone headed by people with disabilities living in regulated and Mitchell Lama housing, an exemption from rent increases when their rents rise above 30 percent of income. Landlords will receive tax abatements in the amount of the foregone rent.

 The groups newly eligible for the program include households receiving SSI, SSDI, veterans’ pensions or compensation, or enrolled in the Medicaid Buy-In Program. While pleased that a 25-year fight to win this benefit has been won, the Coalition fought hard to ensure that people with disabilities won the SAME benefits as are granted senior citizens, and is disappointed that the City of New York did not agree to an income cap equal to that which is authorized under current law for senior citizens. They vowed today to return to Albany next year to win equal benefits for people with disabilities.

NYSRA congratulates the Fair Housing group – which was led by organizations including the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY), Coalition for the Homeless, and others, for the legislative success.

If NYSRA members should want more information about this program, they are welcome to contact Jeff Wise, NYSRA chief executive, who was the principal drafter of the original legislation on which Chapter 188 was based.

RSA Restructuring Plan: A Letter From Assistant Secretary Hager

Dear Colleague,

As you may know, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in the Department of Education is implementing a reorganization and restructuring of RSA. I am writing to share information with you about the reorganization, our plan for improving accountability, monitoring and technical assistance, and our focus on customer service.

RSA’s new structure provides each state agency with a single point of contact and a team of program, fiscal, data analysis, and technical assistance experts to help state agencies meet their statutory responsibilities and improve management and service performance. To help explain how this will work, I am attaching a chart of RSA’s new organization, and a description of how the new structure will function and how RSA will implement its redesigned monitoring process. The documents describe how key partners and stakeholders in vocational rehabilitation are involved in the process.

Our goal is to continue to make RSA a high performing agency that contributes significantly to improving the employment status of individuals with disabilities and enhances their ability to live as independently as possible. The changes in RSA’s organization are necessary to improve our efficiency and effectiveness in serving you. I believe that as you learn more about the changes we are making at RSA, you will share our optimism for the agency and our confidence in its ability to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

This restructuring is effective on October 1, 2005. If you have any questions, please contact me, or Edward Anthony or Jennifer Sheehy at RSA.

Sincerely,

John Hager

Assistant Secretary

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

NYSRA is pleased to announce that Pat Dowse, Vice President, has been invited to join a select group of 150 advocates from around the country to work with Mr. Hager and other RSA staff at the scheduled RSA Monitoring Conference in Washington, D.C., August 24-25, 2005. At the upcoming meeting of the NYSRA Vocational Division on August 17, 2005 NYSRA invites members to share with her their thoughts and recommendations for change and process for the future monitoring of State VR service delivery system.

RRTI and NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare to Provide Training and Information on Medicare D

As NYSRA members are aware, beginning on January 1, 2006, individuals who are entitled to Medicare Part A, are enrolled in Medicare Part B, or who are currently receiving their prescription drug benefit through Medicaid - will be entitled to drug coverage through the new Medicare Part D benefit. This change will have a significant impact on New Yorkers who are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligibles”). As stipulated by federal guidelines, people who fall into this dual eligibility category have to be enrolled in a prescription drug plan to receive drug coverage. Drug plans can differ dramatically in formularies and pharmacy networks.

As a follow-up to the session presented at NYSRA’s Executive Management Institute in June by Jeff Crowley, RRTI and the NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NYS Council) have developed several training and technical assistance sessions for rehabilitation agency administrative, management and supervisory staff to prepare them for the Medicare Part D reform.

On August 17 RRTI and the NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare will co-sponsor a web-based training seminar (no travel required!!) regarding the Medicare Part D drug benefit. Our consultant for this event is Linda Schofield, President of Schofield Consultants. Ms Schofield has had a 26 year career in health care to include 6 years as the State Medicaid Director in Connecticut. She recently served as a member of the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Transition Commission, to advise the Congress and Administration on MMA implementation issues. Linda recently conducted a training on this topic for members of the NYS Council - she received rave reviews and we are fortunate to have found her.

Our training agenda for the 17^th has been designed to assure that all participants have a good working knowledge of the Medicare Part D drug benefit by the conclusion of the session. We will also push beyond basic concepts and discuss more complicated issues including Low Income Subsidy; Consumer Protections; Co-Pays, Premiums and Deductibles Appeals Process. Attached is the registration information and materials.

Looking Ahead

A special policy session (#45) discussing critical elements of the Medicare Part D transition will be held on September 28, 2005 at the Leadership Training Summit. This workshop will be taught by policy expert Linda Schofield, with Lauri Cole from the NYS Council.

Federal Update

NYSRA’s Summer Travels

The hot days of summer have been anything but quiet this year at NYSRA. Kicking off the summer right, NYSRA welcomed Jeff Wise, CEO the first week in July, who without dropping a beat issued to members a precise analysis of the new legislation related to union activity. Archived on our NYSRA website, www.nyrehab.org, it is there for anyone to access. He has already met with Commissioner Maul, OMRDD and has meetings set with Commissioner Mills, SED, Commissioner Angello, DOL, Commissioner Carpinello, OMH, Commissioner O’Brien, CQC OFA and Deputy Commissioner Whalen, DOH. This is intermingled with his ongoing work in coalition building with NYSRA colleague organizations.

Working on member relations and to understand the regional agendas that prevail in New York State, the calendar is beginning to fill up for NYSRA for its regional meetings. Long Island played hostess for the first on July 25 with meetings scheduled for the New York City area on August 15 and in Buffalo on Oct 5. Planning is still underway for a joint meeting between Syracuse and Binghamton. Please plan on participating.

Things are changing in the legislative arena - a State budget “passed” on time and Governor Pataki’s recent announcement that he will not seek a another term as NY Governor means now is the time for NYSRA to be readying its legislative and budget agenda. Formed several months back, NYSRA’s Legislative Committee has developed a calendar of activity that not only sets the tone for the work needed by this Committee but it drives the work of the Divisions, their respective committees and ultimately the NYSRA Board and staff. In line with that the Divisions have set meeting dates for the summer – DD Division 8/10, MH Division 8/11, and Voc Division 8/17. The Deaf/HH Division, having had their meeting in July, already has the NYSRA lobbyist hard at work researching their issues on Public Service Law 47 and the FCC relay service; the Hearing Aid Bill and a NYS Council for Deaf/HH. Members are encouraged to participate in any or all of these meetings to ensure that NYSRA advocates for the issues that mean the most for your organization.

Technical assistance is bountiful these days at NYSRA. What with the VESID contracts for UCS and Supported Employment in such confusion, OMRDD issuing its Day Hab and Prevoc Survey for completion, LTSE “give-backs” and Medicaid services conversions, NYSRA staff have been answering phones and e-mails non-stop with recommendations and referrals and it appears that this is just the tip of the iceberg! OMRDD has come to a decision about criminal background checks and “contracting organizations.” A request for your agency’s list of potential contractors will be forthcoming. Monthly, NYSRA continues to host calls for any agency interested in OPTS. OMRDD staff joins the call to provide the newest information available and to answer questions for members. While not much is happening with PROS, NYSRA keeps a watchful eye. We are also proud to be a part of the coalition that was successful in getting legislation to focus on Geriatric MH issues. While never off our list, educational advocacy especially for transition age students with disabilities will be a growing area of advocacy for NYSRA. Work with DOL WTW staff now located at the Office of Temporary Assistance continues as their new guide for working with people with learning disabilities gets issued as well as work with the Onestops.

Of course we cannot forget the planning for this year’s Leadership training Summit, September 26-28, 2005. The program touches all levels of professions in our field and will once again bring colleagues together for 3 days of professional growth unsurpassed by any other group. Early registration deadline is August 19, 2005 -- don’t miss out!

Working for you is what we do and we need to know from you what will make the difference. Look forward to a new and improved website, a legislative process that works with regional grassroots groups, Divisions offering ongoing professional networking and leadership including direct member involvement in policy decision recommendations to the NYSRA Board of Directors and a fully staffed Association working to make the lives of people with disabilities meaningful in every way.

‘Workers with Disabilities: Ready for Tomorrow’s Jobs Today’

2005 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme

“This year’s theme emphasizes that people with disabilities are a vital part of America’s workforce—they are important to our country’s future economic success!” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “The President’s New Freedom Initiative recognizes the tremendous contributions and potential of persons with disabilities and promotes greater job opportunities in high growth sectors of the economy, such as healthcare and advanced manufacturing.”

NYSRA’s Annual Business Awards selected during the summer and announced at the NYSRA Annual Leadership Summit Luncheon on September 26, 2005 supports this theme and allows organizations to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities and skills of job candidates who have disabilities and the businesses that employ them. NYSRA staff and or selection committee members participate in agency specific events presenting awards to the companies nominated from the nine NYSRA regions across the state. Watch for announcement of this year’s award winners in mid August.

Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” President Harry S. Truman designated the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the law. Congress changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” in 1988. The responsibility for leading the nationwide recognition was transferred to ODEP in 2001.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the nation’s first assistant secretary-level office specifically addressing policies that impact the employment of people with disabilities. Collaborating with other Labor Department agencies—the Employment and Training Administration and the Civil Rights Center—ODEP has developed methods, including a disability checklist, to make the 3500 One-Stop Career Centers nationwide better serve people with disabilities.

The ADA and Access and Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities

Congress has responded to the need for access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities by passing landmark legislation in a range of areas: education, employment, tax policy, transportation and assistive technology. These laws include the ADA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which amended section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition to Title IV of the ADA, which we are currently celebrating, Congress has also passed additional legislation focused specifically on access to communications: the Telecommunications Accessibility Enhancement Act of 1988, the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988, the Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. All of these laws recognize the importance of access to all aspects of society, and access to communications technology in particular.

Telecommunications has become such a common tool that its use is essential for participation in nearly all aspects of our society. Access to telecommunications is essential in bringing a great measure of independence to members of the disability community. Access to telecommunications services also plays a critical role in life-threatening emergencies.

Self Help Hard of Hearing, Inc., a NYSRA allied member, provided information regarding TEDPA in the July/August 2005 issue of their magazine. Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program Association (TEDPA), a national equipment distribution program association, provides information exchange and assistance in the administration of specialized telecommunication equipment distribution programs for persons with disabilities. Further information about the association and their services can be found on their website at www.tedpa.org.

We all benefit when people with disabilities become active in our communities and in society as a whole. As we celebrate the ADA’s 15th anniversary, it is helpful to consider other telecommunications accessibility provisions that enable everyone to use our nation’s telecommunications systems. For additional information on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we have to go in our advocacy endeavors, visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/ada.html.

A special thanks to Joe Gordon from SHHH and Dorothy Steele from VESID for providing the website links and information for this article.

Announcements/Opportunities

Freelance Opportunities for Disabled Latino Writers in the U.S.

Proyecto Visión, the National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities, is looking for reporters with first person experience with Latino culture and disability.

Reporters are needed to write articles documenting:

-success stories about how Latinos with disabilities living in the U.S. have found jobs or advanced in their careers

-experiences and challenges disabled Latinos face in obtaining education, training, assistive technology, independent living services and jobs in both urban and rural communities in the U.S.

-Latino organizations reaching out to serve disabled members of their communities

-disability organizations reaching out to serve Latinos

-analyses of the situations of disabled Latinos in areas of the U.S. that have a high concentration Latinos with disabilities

-obstacles and failures, especially if something was learned from the experience

-interpretation of how new federal initiatives or legislation impact disabled Latinos

Reporters will be expected to use a variety of techniques to obtain information including conducting interviews and surveys, attending meetings, networking, and using local or Web-based libraries and information centers.

Articles will be short, practical, and may be submitted in English or Spanish. Go to www.projectvision.net to see sample articles. Reporters will be compensated for their work on a per-article basis.

To apply, send a resume describing yourself and your skills, and a one-page article you have written about disabled Latinos to Robin Savinar at robin@wid.org or call (510) 251-4325. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2005.

The National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities is a project of the World Institute on Disability, supported by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

DDPC RFP on Peer Mentoring & Supports

The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) is announcing the availability of funding to support five (5) community based organizations, at approximately $55,000 per year for each of two years, to demonstrate how the provision of peer mentoring and supports in the vocational rehabilitation process can improve the ability of people with developmental and other disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.

Eligible applicants include public or community-based, not-for-profit organizations with proven expertise or demonstrated experience in facilitation peer based approaches including, but not limited to, independent living centers, self-advocacy and other peer, recipient, advocacy-based, or consumer organizations. Preference will be given to organizations with evidence of organizational commitment to peer support and self-advocacy, organizations who serve diverse or underserved populations, as well as to partnership proposals involving multiple or statewide organizations.

Interested applicants should submit a one-page letter of intent by September 1, 2005. A letter of intent is requested to assist the DDPC in identifying the interest and potential applicant pool for this grant. In some instances additional information may be made available to all potential applicants who have expressed interest in this funding opportunity.

Letters of intent should be forwarded to Nicholas Rose, DDPC Program Planner, at the address listed below. Applications, however, will be accepted for this RFP without a letter of intent. All final grant applications must be delivered to the DDPC office by close of business (5:00pm) on September 16, 2005.

New Employment Resource Web Site Opens in July 2005:

The Virginia Commonwealth University has launched a newly designed Web site this month that will provide information, resources and research about employment and disability issues. This new resource, Worksupport.com, will continue to be hosted by VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, which has as its focus workplace supports and job retention.

It’s all About the Music – FLAME

Lexington Center (Fulton County ARC NYS Chapter) is proud to announce that their band FLAME has been invited to perform during the Alliance for Full Participation Summit 2005 in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, September 22^nd.

The Alliance for Full Participation is comprised of eleven leading organizations serving people with developmental disabilities. Their objective is full realization of the vision of people with developmental disabilities living meaningful, productive and personally satisfying lives
in their community of choice. Two thousand attendees are anticipated at the Summit. Attendees will include all those committed to full participation including professionals in the field, self advocates, providers, families and public officials. The Summit will be attended by the leadership of all of the national sponsoring organizations, and will receive significant press coverage in their publications, as well as in outside press and publications.

The organizations that make up the Alliance include:

*The Arc of United States
*United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
*American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR)

NYSRA is proud to have engaged this talented band for our upcoming Leadership Training Summit on September 27^th. Congratulations FLAME!

Interested in booking FLAME for your next event? Remember that it is really “about the music” because the band plays great professional music. Call Stephanie Reese or Maria Nestle at (518) 762-0024 to discuss the booking arrangements.

People Inc. Wins Prestigious State Award

People Inc. has won a “Psychologically Healthy Workplace” Certificate of Merit from the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA).

According to Dr. Rita Perlin, NYSPA president, People Inc. won the award for promoting a psychologically healthy workplace through its exemplary work-life balance program. “They use limited resources creatively and generously and are highly attuned to the needs of all their staff members.”

NYSPA Workplace Award Chair Dr. Dianne Polowczyk added that the agency, provides outstanding benefits, sufficient time off, and flexible work time for its employees.

Sponsors working with NYSPA on this project include Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, American Business Associates, Adelphi University and its School of Business, The Graduate College of Union University, New York University’s Graduate Society, and the Gordon Derner Institute at Adelphi.

Psychological Associations throughout the country extend this award to companies in their states, promoting public awareness of the importance of attending to the psychological health of employees in the workplace. Psychologically healthy workplace practices have been found to promote greater productivity, to reduce turnover and to improve work satisfaction and well being.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

ICE Your Cell Phone

Paramedics will turn to a victim’s cell phone for clues to that person’s identity. You can make their job much easier with a simple idea that they are trying to get everyone to adopt: ICE.

ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. If you add an entry in the contacts list in your cell phone under ICE, with the name and phone number of the person that the emergency services should call on your behalf, you can save them a lot of time and have your loved ones contacted quickly. It only takes a few moments to do. Should you have more than one emergency contact, indicate ICE 1, Ice 2, etc.

Paramedics know what ICE means and they look for it immediately. ICE your cell phone today – and please pass the idea along!

Job Opportunities

Health Advocacy Associate - The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is seeking a Health Advocacy Associate. This person will administer the Immigrant Health Access and Advocacy Collaborative and take on a range of health policy, advocacy, technical assistance and training responsibilities. Through the Collaborative, immigrant-serving community-based organizations receive grants to engage in outreach, education, direct client assistance and systemic advocacy to improve immigrants access to health care and insurance. The Associate will administer and guide the Collaborative, which also involves partnerships with legal services organizations. The Health Advocacy Associates primary roles involve: program coordination; grants management; capacity-building to grant recipients; advocacy with administrators, public officials, and the media; policy analysis; and provision of training and technical assistance.

DEADLINE: APPLY IMMEDIATELY, BUT NO LATER THAN August 15, 2005.

Only Those Offered Interviews Will Be Contacted.

TO APPLY: NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Mail, fax or e-mail resume, cover letter and salary history to:

Jackie Wong, Office Manager
275 Seventh Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10001
FAX: (212) 627-9314
E-mail: jwong@thenyic.org

Director of Employment Services - South Beach Psychiatric Center (NYS Office of Mental Health) is looking for an energetic, take charge individual for the position of Director of Employment Services. South Beach is a New York State Hospital serving Brooklyn and Staten Island, with a long history of community-based service and strong partnership with neighborhood providers. As Director, the person will provide leadership and supervision to a seven person team, whose goal is to assist consumers in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment of their own choosing. The head of this team should be a creative thinker who is well-versed in the principles and practice of supported employment. He or she must be able direct and mentor staff in functioning as employment generalists; able to provide all facets of the vocational process. The ability to network with prospective employers and other providers of employment services is an important component of the position. The successful applicant will have previous experience in providing vocational services to recipients of mental health services. The prospective director will have served in a supervisory capacity for at least two years, either in employment services or within the mental health field. Masters level degree or higher required. Area of study can be in Social Work, Psychology, or Rehabilitation, with preference given to the latter. Individuals with training in Psychiatric Rehabilitation will be given strong consideration, with the CPRP credential being a distinct plus.

Contact Dr. Marty Erman, CPRP at 718-667-2346 or send resume to Dr. Marty Erman at South Beach Psychiatric Center, 777 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305

Peer Specialist/Counselor - Opportunity available for an innovative individual to work on a multi-disciplinary, community based, treatment team providing strength based, consumer driven treatment services to the high risk/high need mentally ill of Dutchess County. Candidates for this position must be a recipient of mental health services and possess the ability to empower consumers through role modeling and teaching of recovery oriented skills; must be able to work on a multi-disciplinary team in all areas of treatment which would include the development and provision of consumer oriented assessments and treatment plans; must possess good communication and documentation skills. Peer counseling, group facilitation and bilingual/bi cultural experience a plus. Valid drivers license required or an ability to independently travel throughout all areas of the county.

Contact person: Lori Boniface, Sr. PA. Phone #: (845) 483-3226. Assertive Community Treatment Team, Hudson River Psychiatric Center (NYS Office of Mental Health), 10 Ross Circle, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Assistant Project Director, Mental Health Project - The Mental Health Project of the Urban Justice Center (MHP) seeks an Assistant Project Director to 1) develop affirmative litigation and act as lead counsel on existing affirmative litigation, 2) manage our legal clinic staff to ensure that we are providing the best possible service to the most vulnerable clients, integrating social work and legal work effectively, and meeting our contract reporting obligations efficiently, and 3) work with MHP staff to identify new program areas and write grant proposals under the guidance of the Project Director to fund work in those areas.

The ideal candidate will be an attorney with at least 5 years’ experience in housing, public benefits, or disability rights law; experience working with social workers and an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary work; experience supervising lawyers and/or social workers; excellent communication and organizational skills; fundraising experience; a passionate commitment to fighting for low-income people with psychiatric disabilities

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample, and contact information for three references to Bill Lienhard, Project Director, Mental Health Project, Urban Justice Center, 666 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10012. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please do not contact us by email, fax or phone. People of color, LGBT individuals, individuals who have personal experience with poverty, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample, and three references to Bill Lienhard, Project Director, Mental Health Project, Urban Justice Center, 666 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York City, NY 10012. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please do not contact us by email, fax or phone. People of color, LGBT people, people who have personal experience with poverty or the mental health system, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. Salary $28,000-$40,000 DOE. Excellent benefits, vacation, and leave package.

Bill Lienhard, Project Director
Mental Health Project, Urban Justice Center
666 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York City, NY 10012
646-602-5667, fax 212-533-4598
wlienhard@urbanjustice.org

Director, Consumer and Business Outreach - Implement, manage, and enhance employment retention for employees living with mental illness; promote employment opportunities for mental health consumers with the New York State business community for competitive, private sector employment.

Qualifications: 4-year college degree and experience related to mental health services specific to consumer needs; experience in or knowledge of employee assistance programs; ability to promote business development, design curriculum and deliver trainings.

Occasional travel. Starting low to mid thirties & benefits.