Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications Under the NY HELPS Program: A bachelors degree in child and family studies, counseling and community psychology, creative arts therapy, criminal justice, health administration, hospital administration, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, nursing, psychoanalysis, psychology, public administration, public health, public policy, recreation therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, sociology, or special education AND two years of professional clinical or administrative experience in a federal or state operated, licensed, certified, or funded mental health program. Mental Health Program Specialist Trainee 1: Candidate's must possess a bachelors or higher degree in child and family studies, counseling and community psychology, creative arts therapy, criminal justice, health administration, hospital administration, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, nursing, psychoanalysis, psychology, public administration, public health, public policy, recreation therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, sociology, or special education.