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Mental Health Therapy Aide
New York State Job Services
Location : Buffalo, NY, 14202
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $52225 to $56413 Annually
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
Indicates whether if this vacancy posting is part of the NY HELPS Program.NY HELPYes
The agency in which the vacancy exists.AgencyMental Health, Office of
The job title for the vacancy.TitleMental Health Therapy Aide (MHTA) - Direct Care Positions (NY HELPS), Buffalo Psychiatric Center, P26952
The job title for the vacancy.Occupational CategoryHealth Care, Human/Social Services
The salary grade for this vacancy. Salaries are determined by salary grade and bargaining unit.Salary Grade09
The collective bargaining unit to which this vacancy is assigned.Bargaining UnitISU - Institutional Services Unit (CSEA)
The minimum and maximum of the salary range for this vacancy.Salary RangeFrom $52225 to $56413 Annually
Indicates whether this job is full-time or part-time. If the job is part-time, an estimated percentage will be provided.Employment TypeFull-Time
This indicates the type of job, typically permanent, temporary, or provisional. 'Provisional' means that the appointment will be temporary until the incumbent takes and passes an appropriate civil service examination.Appointment TypePermanent
Jurisdictional class is the indicator for how this job can be filled. The classified service is governed by the Civil Service Commission, and consists of competitive, non-competitive, exempt, and labor classes. 'Competitive class' indicates that the applicant must take and pass an appropriate civil service examination. 'Non-competitive class' indicates that the applicant's qualifications will be evaluated without a civil service examination. 'Exempt class' indicates that the applicant will be evaluated by methods other than competitive or non-competitive, and that incumbents will not be granted tenure. 'Labor class' requires that applicants possess skills or other physical characteristics that cannot effectively be evaluated by other means. The unclassified service is legislatively defined, and includes such positions as elected officials, department and agency heads, and all academic personnel in public schools, colleges, and universities.Jurisdictional ClassNon-competitive Class
Estimates the percentage of time incumbents of this vacancy will be required to travel.Travel Percentage0%
This provides information on the expected workweek.WorkweekOther (see below)
If 'other' is selected as the workweek type, this field explains what that schedule is."Other" ExplanationEvening and night shifts, 12-hour shifts. Evenings 11:50 am - 11:50 pm. Night shift 7:50 pm - 7:50 am.
The number of hours in the workweek, typically 37.5 or 40 for full time, or any other number for part time.Hours Per Week40
Workday
The start time for this vacancy. If the agency employs flextime, this will be the earliest time this vacancy's shift can start.From12 AM
The end time for this vacancy. If the agency employs flextime, this will be the latest time this vacancy's shift can end.To11:30 PM
If checked, the agency allows flextime.Flextime allowed?No
If checked, this vacancy includes mandatory overtime.Mandatory overtime?Yes
If checked, this agency allows compressed workweek scheduling.Compressed workweek allowed?No
If checked, this agency allows telecommuting for this position.Telecommuting allowed?No
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform.Duties DescriptionBuffalo Center has immediate full time job opportunities for Direct Care Staff to work as Mental Health Therapy Aides. Previous psychiatric experience is not required. Candidates from outside or within State Service can apply
Mental Health Therapy Aides are part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on providing compassionate care to individuals with serious mental illness.
As a MHTA, you will provide direct care services and support to individuals, including:
• Supporting patient health and safety
• Assisting individuals with personal care tasks
• Teaching individuals’ daily life skills like personal hygiene and nutrition
• Accompanying individuals to treatment, activities, and appointments on and off facility grounds
• Observing individuals' responses to treatment and documenting observations.
• Attending treatment team meetings and sharing observations on progress toward recovery goals
• Assisting in crisis and emergency situations to protect the welfare of individuals, staff, and others.
The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy.Minimum QualificationsCandidates from outside or within State Service can be considered for hire under the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement – Statewide (NY HELPS) program as a Mental Health Therapy Aide if they have a High School or High School Equivalency Diploma.
OR
Candidates within State Service can be considered for transfer to a competitive class position if they have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
Additional comments regarding the vacancy.Additional CommentsAll OMH employees receive a generous benefits package including:
• NYS medical, dental, & vision insurance
• Access to tuition assistance programs
• Excellent opportunities for advancement & professional growth
• Paid time off – 13 paid vacation days in the first year, 5 paid personal days, 13 paid holidays, & paid sick leave
• NYS Retirement programs
Background checks will be required.
There are several positions available.
Posted hiring rate includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for PS&T Grade 09 ($42,641), an Increase Hiring Rate ($5,584), Geographic Pay Differential ($4,000). The posted job rate is the sum of the statutory job rate ($52,413) and Geographic Pay Differential ($4,000).
NOTE:
Medicaid and Medicare: In order to be eligible for appointment and to maintain employment, you cannot be listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of the Federal and/or State Medicaid and Medicare exclusion lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program). If you are appointed and subsequently listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of these lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program), you may be terminated from your employment.
In addition:
1. You must be able to communicate and follow oral and written instructions and directions in English in order to perform the duties of the position.
2. If you are selected for appointment, you may be required to attend a physical exam. Your physical and medical condition will be evaluated to ensure that you are able to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. The physical/medical standards include a medical standards evaluation and a drug screening test. Failure to meet the standards may result in your disqualification. A complete statement of the physical and medical standards is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm.
3. License Requirement: Depending on assignment, you may be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Freqently Asked Questions
Buffalo's community mental health landscape offers unique challenges including a higher demand for direct care staff in psychiatric settings. The city's socio-economic factors and healthcare infrastructure influence the therapy aide's daily responsibilities, often requiring flexibility with evening and night shifts uncommon in other regions.
In Buffalo, MHTAs often progress by gaining specialized certifications or transferring into competitive civil service roles within New York State agencies. Opportunities include moving toward licensed mental health counseling or supervisory positions, supported by local programs emphasizing professional growth.
Employers highly value empathy, crisis intervention, and the ability to assist individuals with serious mental illness. Strong observational skills and teamwork within multi-disciplinary settings are also critical, alongside flexibility for 12-hour shifts, which are common for these therapy aide positions.
A usual day involves supporting patients’ safety, aiding with personal care, teaching hygiene and nutrition skills, accompanying individuals to appointments, and documenting treatment responses. Crisis management and participation in team meetings to discuss recovery progress are also essential components.
While a high school diploma suffices for entry, some assignments may require a valid New York State driver’s license. Additionally, candidates must pass background checks and physical exams. No specialized certification is mandatory, but relevant experience can enhance hiring prospects.
Employees benefit from comprehensive NYS medical, dental, and vision insurance, tuition assistance, generous paid time off, and retirement plans. The permanent appointment type and civil service protections offer strong job stability, while mandatory overtime reflects commitment to patient care.
The annual salary typically ranges from $52,225 to $56,413, factoring in geographic pay differentials. This rate aligns with grade 09 in the institutional services bargaining unit, reflecting competitive compensation for full-time direct care positions in Buffalo psychiatric facilities.
Due to the hands-on nature of the role, telecommuting is not permitted. The position requires fixed evening and night 12-hour shifts, with no flextime or compressed workweek options. Mandatory overtime is also a possibility to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Buffalo's demand for mental health aides remains steady, but competition varies depending on civil service qualifications and emergency hiring programs like NY Helps. Candidates with prior state service or relevant training often have an advantage in this non-competitive class appointment.
Working with NYS Job Services involves adherence to civil service regulations, union representation, and structured benefits. Unlike private clinics, aides here participate in multidisciplinary teams within state-operated psychiatric centers, focusing on long-term recovery and state-mandated treatment protocols.
Rochester, NY