COUNTY 101: Office of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities

County 101 is a recurring feature that takes a deeper look at one of the County of Berks’ many departments to further explain the services and programs available to residents.

Leadership:

Pam Seaman, MH/DD Administrator

Michele A. Ruano Weber, Deputy Administrator and Lydia Singley, HealthChoices Program Director

Mission Statement:

To provide quality care as well as the delivery of efficient public services and supports for individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities so that they can increase their opportunities and abilities to lead lives of dignity and independence. Acknowledging that Recovery is an ongoing process, MH/DD is committed to promoting personal growth, choice, and inclusion of consumers in their community.

What programs do you oversee?

Mental Health continued on next page

• Behavioral HealthChoices, the state’s Medicaid managed care program. Our office is the primary contractor with the state for behavioral health managed care in Berks. We subcontract with a licensed Behavioral Health Managed Care Organization, Community Care Behavioral Health, who contracts with community providers for the actual services. Under this program, we support treatment needs for people dealing with mental health and substance use.

• Block Grant funded services, which cover the dollars and resources we have available to provide resources that are not considered treatment services or the cost of treatment services for those without insurance. Examples of resources include mental health services for adults and children, crisis intervention and emergency services, community residential rehabilitation program (CRR), vocational services, social rehabilitation services, supported living and assisting individuals.

Vision:

The Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities system will be a partnership of consumers, family members, service providers and policy makers which creates options responsive to individual needs and preferences.

In a nutshell:

The MH/DD office does not provide any direct services but oversees the system of providers and serves as the administrative arm for various funding and grants related to behavioral health, developmental disability and early intervention services. The office is responsible for the planning, programming, quality, compliance and financial oversight of the provider network.

Developmental Disabilities

• Intellectual Disability/Autism Spectrum Disorder Services: These programs are for individuals who have either an IQ of 70 or below prior to their 22nd birthday and/or are diagnosed with autism along with other functional impairments. The services are rehabilitative in nature for individuals who meet these eligibility criteria and the MH/DD Program is responsible for the identification and monitoring of each individualized service in a person’s plan. Providers are licensed, approved and contracted directly through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

• Early Intervention Services: The MH/DD office oversees early intervention services for infants and toddlers from birth to 3 years old. Children eligible for these services show a delay in one or more developmental areas, have a physical disability or have a condition which has a high probability for developmental delay. Services are delivered through a coaching model with families in their natural environment and include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special instruction, hearing and vision services, etc. The goal of early intervention is to build skills and catch up on developmental delays.

Other

• Human Service Development Fund: MH/DD manages funds/contracts with community providers on behalf of Berks County for low-income adults with disabilities for services such as: home delivered meals, counseling, homemaker/chore, service planning, etc.

• Homeless Assistance Program: This program is managed on behalf of the county to allocate and oversee state funds targeted toward the issue of homelessness. The MH/DD Program contracts with the Berks County Homelessness Coalition to work with providers delivering such services as case management, bridge housing, emergency shelter and rental assistance.

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): The MH/DD office manages funding received by the county for emergency food assistance for low-income individuals by contracting with Helping Harvest for community food distribution to the target population.

• Child and Adolescent Services Program (CASSP): The CASSP Coordinator, staffed at the MH/DD Office, works with all child-serving systems to problem solve individual and service system complex needs.

Are there any services you offer that you wish more people were aware of?

Due to the wide variety of services and programs we administer, it is understandable that residents may not be aware of who to call for assistance. Our office has a contract with Service Access Management to provide information and referral support. Residents can call our office or the SAM office at 610-236-0530 and ask for intake.

We also have crisis intervention services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Holcomb. The telephone number for that service is 610-379-2007 or 1-888-219-3910.

Are there any misunderstandings about the programs you administer that you want to address?

Many individuals do not fully understand the HealthChoices program. Individuals eligible for Medicaid have a choice of various Managed Care Organizations/Insurers for their physical health needs. However, there is only one behavioral health Managed Care Insurance Company in each county. For Berks County, that is Community Care Behavioral Health.

Many individuals also are not aware of the various levels of care and numerous providers available throughout the county. These resources can be found through CCBH’s member line at 1-800-553-7499 or on their very resourceful and userfriendly website: https://members.ccbh.com/find-provider/ provider-directory.

What community organizations or initiatives is your department involved with?

R U OK Berks – The Berks County Suicide Prevention Task Force is a group of community leaders collaborating to reduce suicide in Berks County through advocacy, education and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide.

SOS Berks – The Berks County Opioid Coalition is made up of community members and stakeholders dedicated to reducing overdose deaths in Berks County.

Anything else you want residents to understand about your department?

Our team often needs to wear different hats because each system and program has different regulations and requirements. A lot of the populations we serve also cross over between the various programs, so we need to be able to be flexible and adjust with each call to find the best services available for each individual.

County of Berks

Check out all employment opportunities and apply online: www.countyofberks.com.

Assistant District Attorney, Berks County Services Center: Primary responsibilities include reviewing, researching, preparing and presenting cases at various criminal proceedings. Juris Doctorate Degree and Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar required.

Assistant Public Defender, Berks County Services Center: Seeking applicants to provide legal representation for indigent persons at summary, preliminary, mental health and state parole violation hearings. Juris Doctorate Degree and Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar required.

Caseworker, Children & Youth Services, Berks County Services Center: This position provides a full range of social services to families, including interviewing and casework services, in accordance with established federal and state regulations, policies and procedures. Bachelor’s degree required.

Correctional Officer, Berks County Jail System: Seeking applicants to supervise inmates in open settings, including housing units, recreation areas and work details. Duties include maintaining physical security, supervising visitors and ensuring overall daily operations run smoothly.

Custodian, Facilities, Berks County Services Center: Seeking applicants to perform repetitive manual work, requiring efficient performance of simple building cleaning and minor repairs. Work is reviewed by inspection. Employee must be thorough and dependable.

Deputy Sheriff, Berks County Services Center: Duties include enforcing court orders, serving arrest and bench warrants, transporting inmates and maintaining courtroom security. Must complete the Municipal Police Officers, State Police Officer, or Deputy Sheriff’s education and training programs.

Dietary Aide, Berks Heim: Dietary aides assist in the preparation and serving of food and in the cleaning of the Dietary area, equipment and dishware under general supervision. May include training new employees and other related work. Full-time and part-time positions available.

LPN Staff Nurse, Berks Heim: Seeking licensed practical nurses to provide quality professional nursing care to residents following established policies of the facility. Must have a current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Includes sign-on bonus.

Nursing Assistant (CNA), Berks Heim: Nursing assistants provide for the physical care and psychosocial needs of the residents, including personal care, feeding, transporting and assisting with restorative nursing procedures. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Park Ranger, Berks County Parks and Recreation: Responsibilities include enforcing the park ordinance and associated regulations. Park rangers provide park visitors with information and directions, protect park resources, and are responsible for all security, ticketing and permits.

Recreation Program Assistant, Berks County Parks and Recreation: Part-time. Hours vary and may include weekends and evenings. Seeking applicants who have an appreciation of nature and outdoor recreation programs to provide program and office support for special events and programs.

RN Staff Nurse, Berks Heim: Seeking registered nurses to provide quality professional nursing care to residents following established policies of the facility. Must have a current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Includes sign on bonus.

Telecommunicator, Department of Emergency Services: Telecommunicators work in 911 communications, answering emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching first responders and other resources. The next telecommunicator class will be offered this summer. Sign-on bonus available.

Tour Guide/Collections Assistant, Berks County Parks and Recreation: Seasonal, May-Oct. Includes weekends, summer holidays and some evenings. Min. age 17. Responsibilities include leading public tours of onsite museums, providing information to park patrons and working in the visitor center.

Reading Hospital

Opportunities await at Reading Hospital! We offer meaningful careers in a family-like environment. Career growth is supported by management, financially & through internal recruitment program. Now hiring: Housekeeping, Nutrition, Patient Transporters, Shuttle Bus Drivers, and Security Officers. Generous time off, benefits, educational assistance, and more. View opportunities: careers. towerhealth.org keyword: #Support.

Cornerstone Law Firm

We have a rapidly growing team that is client-focused and driven to provide top-notch legal services. If you are interested in intellectual challenges and advocating for clients, while still maintaining a good worklife balance, Cornerstone Law Firm may be the right fit for you. See our professional and support openings at CornerstoneLaw.us/jobs.

East Penn Manufacturing

We have been voted one of the best places to work in PA. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? If so, East Penn is ready to invest in YOU! EastPennManufacturing.com.

Supportive Concepts for Families

We are a leading provider of services to individuals with Behavioral Health/ Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in Pennsylvania. Join Our Team at Supportive Concepts for Families… #CareersInCaring #MakeADifference #FindYourPurpose

The Children’s Home of Reading

The Children’s Home of Reading is a multi-faceted youth and family social service nonprofit offering specialized residential, educational, and community-based programs to help both at-risk children and their families. Visit BuildingKidsLives.org to find out how you can become part of our team.

Gage Personnel

Whether you’re searching for parttime, flexible work, or your next fulltime career, Gage has the connections you need for administrative, accounting, professional, manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades, management, and more. Visit jobs.gagepersonnel. com to find current openings, apply online or seek employees.

Brentwood Industries

Our culture is built on a can-do, entrepreneurial spirit, sustained over time by our diversity of people and ideas. We’ve created an atmosphere that rewards bright, ambitious, and creative people. Learn more about Brentwood careers at BrentwoodIndustries.com.

Treatment Access and Service Center of Berks County (TASC)

PT Warm Hand Off Program: Are you “In Recovery” from a substance use disorder? Want to give back and help others? Good pay for rewarding work. Contact dmilloy@berkstasc.org.

BILINGUAL Drug & Alcohol

Recovery Specialist: Are you a person in “long-term recovery” from a Substance Use Disorder? Have you been completely “clean and sober” for the past 2 years? Are you looking to “give back” and help others? TASC has a full-time case management position in our Recovery Support Services (RSS) program. Share your experience, strength, and hope in helping others suffering from addictive disease. MUST BE FLUENT IN THE SPANISH LANGUAGE. Contact dmilloy@berkstasc.org.