Jobloria
Mental Health Therapy Aide
New York State Job Services
Location : Binghamton, NY, 13901
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), Greater Binghamton Health Center, P26646
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%
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform.Duties DescriptionGreater Binghamton Health 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. Hiring for all three shifts.
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
Binghamton shows steady growth in mental health service roles due to increased community awareness and state programs like NY Helps. Mental Health Therapy Aides are increasingly sought after as integral support within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, reflecting expanding local care initiatives.
While no advanced certification is mandatory for Mental Health Therapy Aides at New York State Job Services, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates benefit from familiarity with state civil service classifications and may need valid NY motor vehicle licenses depending on assignments.
Effective communication in English, crisis intervention techniques, and observational skills are crucial. Developing empathy, patient safety awareness, and the ability to assist with personal care and daily living skills enhances performance in this supportive healthcare role.
Mental Health Therapy Aides primarily offer direct care and daily living support, while psychiatric technicians may perform clinical tasks and mental health counselors focus on therapeutic interventions. Aides serve as frontline support within team-based patient care environments.
Daily tasks include assisting patients with personal hygiene, supporting nutrition and life skills, accompanying them to treatments, documenting behavior changes, and participating in team meetings. These activities help foster patient recovery and safety in a structured setting.
Employees benefit from tuition assistance, professional advancement opportunities, comprehensive health insurance, and a strong retirement plan. The permanent appointment type and competitive salary grades offer stability and room for upward mobility within state healthcare services.
Salaries typically range from $52,225 to $56,413 annually, reflecting grade 09 pay scales plus geographic differentials. This competitive compensation aligns with state healthcare standards and includes benefits such as paid leave and medical coverage.
Given the zero percent travel requirement, most duties are facility-based at Greater Binghamton Health Center. However, candidates should consider local public transit options or personal vehicle use, especially if assignments require off-site appointments.
With multiple openings across all shifts, the agency actively hires Mental Health Therapy Aides, reflecting strong local demand. The non-competitive class status simplifies hiring, attracting both new entrants and existing state service employees.
Yes, aides receive training and participate in crisis interventions to safeguard patients and staff. This preparedness is vital for managing unpredictable scenarios within mental health care settings, ensuring a secure therapeutic environment.
Rochester, NY