Summary:

This is a direct service position requiring general knowledge of serious mental illness and specific knowledge and skill in rehabilitation and treatment of person with disabilities. This position involves the provision of ACT services in accordance with the recognized framework of the DACT and TMACT scales. This position requires professional licensure. This is a salaried position.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake/initial assessments of new ACT clients and collaborate with psychiatrist/Nurse Practitioner in the initial psychiatric evaluation
• Provide individual and/or group psychotherapy as specific in the treatment plan
• Use empirically-supported techniques to address specific symptoms and behaviors
• Actively participate as a member of a transdisciplinary team, maintain working knowledge of all clients served; contribute expertise as determined by client’s goals and needs identified in the person centered plan.
• Participate in daily team meeting reviewing brief clinically-relevant information of all clients and contacts in the past 24 hours and developing daily staff schedule based on weekly/monthly client schedules, emerging needs ,need for proactive contacts and to prevent future crises
• Participate in first-line 24/7 on-call coverage and respond in person if needed.
• Conduct regular assessment of need for ACT services, developing transition plans as appropriate based on client need.
• Work with clients in the community monitoring status and building skills at least 75% of the time.
• Utilize assertive engagement techniques to engage clients including motivational strategies and therapeutic limit setting.
• Monitor daily/weekly schedule to assure delivery of individualized services that are both frequent (avg. 3 times a week) and intensive (avg. 2 hours per week).
• Assist clients in developing practical, individualized crisis plans.
• Provide medication monitoring as assigned.
• Work with clients to learn or regain skills for successful community living including independent living skills (shopping, cooking, cleaning, budgeting and transportation) and socialization (enhancing social and/or romantic relationships, recreational and leisure pursuits that contribute to community integration) utilizing deliberate and consistent skills training which typically includes staff demonstration, client practice/roleplaying and staff feedback, as well as prompting and cueing.
• Assist clients in locating housing of their choice
• Work in partnership with clients’ natural supports. As part of active engagement:
  • Provide education about illnesses
  • Teach problem-solving strategies for difficulties caused by illnesses
  • Provide or connect with social and support groups
• Maintain a strength and resource focus in work with clients, assume responsibility for gathering such information to inform plan development.
• Participate in treatment planning using a person centered approach including:
  • Developing treatment plan ideas based on referral information and discussions with client (prior to treatment plan meeting) and with team;
  • Conducting regularly scheduled treatment planning meetings;
  • Attending treatment planning meetings with clients, their identified supports and identified team members;
  • Provision of guidance to promote self-direction and leadership within the meeting
  • Treatment plan driven by the client’s goals and preferences.
• Ensure that treatment planning incorporates interventions that target a range of life domains and that documentation in progress/contact notes address the provision of these interventions.
• Promote client independence and self-determination by:
  • Helping client develop greater awareness of meaningful choices available to them;
  • Honoring day to day choices as appropriate;
  • Teaching clients the skills required for independent functioning.
• Observe and report any changes in individuals’ conditions, physical and/or mental health.
• Manage difficult or emotional individual situations, respond professionally for requests for assistance and support and meets commitments to individuals and to team.
• Provide transportation to individuals in personal vehicle
• Provide transportation in WSI owned vehicles including large passenger vehicles as assigned
• Assess for health and safety and take action with individuals, groups and environment.
• Respond to crisis situations
• Provided entitlement linkage and document as needed
• Support individuals with money management and budgeting as assigned
• Serve as an advocate for individuals served
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with individuals, their support system, other Sheppard Pratt staff and community agencies to provide coordinated and comprehensive care
• Plan coverage for absences in conjunction with your supervisor
• Complete training and documentation as required by regulation and accreditation bodies
• Thoroughly document all services
• Assist in monitoring other staff, students and volunteers as assigned
• Assist with maintenance of program space, equipment and supplies
• Participate in improving program effectiveness and efficiency by contributing to program evaluation, as well as working to ensure continuous improvements in the quality of services
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Education: Licensed or certified and approved as an alcohol and drug counselor by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists; or licensed, certified or permitted under Health Occupation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland to provide substance abuse treatment (CAC or higher). CSC-AD certification may be considered if candidate can demonstrate ability to obtain CAC-AD certification within 2 years of hire and supervision is available
• Professional Experience: Two years of positively referenced work, student or volunteer experience
• Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, ability to navigate through applications and utilize keyboard to input required documentation into electronic health record
• Driving Record: Safe Driving Record
• Background Check: Satisfactory Criminal Background check
• Transportation: Possession of a 4 passenger vehicle that meets company inspection, valid Driver’s license and vehicle insurance that names employee as insured driver
• Availability of work schedule: Work primarily M-F business hours but must be flexible to adjust schedule to meet client needs including evening or weekend hours

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