Job Title
MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY/ DISASTER RESPONSE COORDINATOR
Department
Mental Health
Division/Work Unit
Mental Health Services
Bargaining Unit
CSEA
Salary
Job Group 14
Starting salary for external candidates: $81,513. (Non-Negotiable)
Employment Type
Full-Time
Appointment Type
Provisional
Provisional Appointment Notice
This position is classified within the competitive class of the New York State Civil Service system and, as such, is subject to the examination and appointment requirements prescribed by Civil Service Law. Permanent appointment will be contingent upon success in a future civil service examination and subsequent placement on the resulting eligible list. Being reachable on the eligible list does not guarantee permanent appointment. Appointments will be made in accordance with the New York State Civil Service Law, including “Rule-of-Three”.
Shift
Monday through Friday 08:00AM – 04:00PM
Location
95 Franklin St. Buffalo, NY 14202
Distinguishing Features of the Class
This position supports the Erie County Department of Mental Health’s (ECDMH) leadership in coordinating, enhancing, and overseeing countywide mental health crisis response efforts. Under the direction of the Commissioner of Erie County Dept. of Mental Health, the incumbent assists in the oversight and development of training related to emergency psychiatric transport (Mental Hygiene Law §9), post-crisis response, and community capacity building. The position facilitates coordination across public safety, behavioral health, and emergency services partners to ensure consistent, trauma-informed, and legally compliant crisis responses. While some responsibilities related to public health emergencies and disasters remain, the focus of the position is on advancing crisis mental health services and training. This position maintains the need for 24hr availability during a declared emergency. The position is not supervisory but may coordinate the work of others. The incumbent reports directly to the Commissioner of Erie County Dept. of Mental Health. Does related work as required. This position is not a supervisory role but may provide direct service as it relates to typical work activities and/or within the scope of their license in addition to the coordination of other individuals. The incumbent reports directly to the Commissioner of Erie County Dept. Of Mental Health.
Typical Work Activities
- Builds and maintains a network of trained emergency mental health responders and crisis-trained personnel across contracted and partnering agencies;
- Delivers, designs or coordinates education on psychological first aid, postvention, mental health first aid, critical incident stress debriefing, crisis intervention team training and trauma-informed response;
- This position maintains the need for 24hr availability during a declared emergency
- Works with community partners to strengthen mental health crisis response protocols across law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, behavioral health providers, and schools;
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Public Health, Emergency Management, or other human services related field and 5 years’ experience in mental health service provision, which included one year of experience in one of the following areas: disaster response, trauma, crisis response, and providing crisis intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Psychological First Aid, and / or disaster response services. 24hr availability during a declared emergency.
Special Requirements
Possession of a New York State Department of Education license to practice as a Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor at time of permanent appointment and maintenance throughout duration of appointment.
Must complete the following National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) training courses within six (6) months of appointment:
• An Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS-100)
• National Incident Management System, An Introduction (IS-700)
• National Response Framework, An Introduction (IS-800);
Must complete NIMS Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS-200) and Incident Command System for Expanding Incident (ICS-300) course within one year of appointment;
Flexibility to work during non-traditional hours in addition to 24 hour availability during a declared emergency; and
Must possess and maintain a valid New York State Driver License and have a car readily and consistently available for use.
Criminal Background Check
In accordance with New York State law, a criminal background check may be conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made. A prior conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment, unless required by law or directly related to the duties of the position. Certain positions may be subject to additional background screening based on statutory or regulatory requirements.
Diversity Statement
Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Visa Sponsorship
Erie County does not sponsor employment-based visa status for any position. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
This Notice Will be posted for the period: Through and Including
August 20, 2025 - September 03, 2025
To apply for this position, please e-mail or mail your resume, postmarked by 4:00pm on September 03, 2025 to
Shannon.Stocker@erie.gov
Erie County Department of Mental Health
95 Franklin Street, Room 1237
Buffalo, NY 14202
Attn: Shannon Stocker
Resumes received after this deadline will not be considered.