POSITION SUMMARY:

The position is responsible for assisting individuals in obtaining mentalhealth support services by creation, coordination and implementation of goal planswhich incorporate recovery principles as well as resource coordination needs. The incumbent in this position identifies,links, monitors, serves as a resource and supports the activities which assistindividuals and their families within the mental health service system. Crisis management and resolution are alsoimportant functions in this position. Theincumbent must maintain a professional relationship with internal staff andcommunity resource providers.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES:

1. Accountability- Takes on assignments and accepts responsibility for outcomes; acts with good judgment and sound thinking; holds other accountable for their decisions and actions as warranted; complies with agency standards, policies and relevant government regulations.
2. Team Orientation- Successful in creating and promoting the cooperative effort among team members in order to identify and achieve common goals; promotes camaraderie; actively participates in conversations and activities that enhance morale and strengthen cohesiveness.
3. Integrity- Work is ethical, reliable, productive and effective; conversations and actions reflect the organization's mission and vision in a positive light and promote a favorable community perception; interactions are based on honesty and mutual respect.
4. Customer Satisfaction and Quality Services- Primary customers and secondary stakeholders report a high level of satisfaction with services; assures that the most effective services are provided in a respectful professional manner; actively seeks solutions to customer complaints, concerns, inquiries, etc.
5. Compassion- Demonstrates acceptance, respect and empathic understanding to all individuals touched by the organization (i.e., clients, colleagues, external customers); conveys hope and belief that people are not defined or limited by their disability.
6. Diversity- Uses awareness of cultural values and biases to work effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; demonstrates respect for individual differences; where appropriate, recruits/promotes/mentors persons with diverse cultural backgrounds to create a more diverse workforce.
7. Continuous Learning- Strives for self-improvement through continuing education; motivated to learn new things to benefit customers and the organization; shares knowledge and information with others.
8. Communication- Demonstrates effective written and verbal skills in interactions with clients, peers, supervisors, subordinates and external customers; promptly responds to requests, questions and concerns; maintains confidentiality in compliance with all policies and regulations.
9. Safety- Operates vehicles and other equipment safely; adheres to safety protocols; reports hazards and risks; behavior contributes to a safe and secure working environment.
10. Computer Literacy- Uses available information technology to efficiently record or analyze data and to communicate information; demonstrates proficiency in use of licensed software programs.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

1. Clinical Skills & Knowledge ? Utilizes experience, up-to-date knowledge and recovery-oriented approaches to provide sound clinical services, including assessment, planning, implementation and modification of goal plans; demonstrates ability to build rapport and show positive regard for clients; follows goal plan and focuses on empowerment while supporting and/or educating clients to achieve their personal goals; able to model and teach clients how to become active participants in recovery process.
2. Development & Implementation of Goal Plans ? Conducts assessments and develops goal plans specific to the needs of the individual in a timely, accurate and detailed manner; effectively identifies, links, monitors and/or supports the activities which assure that the individual receives the appropriate mental health services they require; demonstrates ability to effectively deliver and manage services as the primary provider until other provider is secured.
3. Coordination of Services ? Works effectively with other service providers in assisting with the coordination of services; builds a positive working relationship with clients, family members and providers in a culturally sensitive manner; advocates for alternative options and assists consumers as needed.
4. Caseload ? Maintains a balanced caseload of a maximum of 30 individuals depending on varying levels of need of the client mix; spends at least 75% or more of work time with consumer, collateral contacts and travel pertaining to clients.
5. Knowledge of Eligibility Requirements ? Demonstrates working knowledge of community resources; understands options available and specific eligibility requirements; maintains current knowledge of developing programs and systems changes.
6. Contact with Clients ? Maintains regular face-to-face contact with clients as determined by assessment tool(s) and professional judgment; ensures that contacts are made in the most appropriate setting (client's home, in the community, or at a provider location); coordinates and/or provides transportation for clients to and from appointments only when this is an established area of need; provides instruction and assists in the accessing and utilization of public transportation whenever possible.
7. Liaison ? Establishes and maintains relationships and communication with other internal and external service providers to ensure continuity of care, resource coordination and effectiveness of services and supports; maintains positive relationships and communication with families and/or significant others; serves as the organization's representative while participating in treatment team meetings, community meetings and/or internal or external planning sessions.
8. Crisis Management - Demonstrates ability to recognize and manage client crisis situations effectively; knows how to access crisis services utilizing supervisory guidance as needed; responds professionally and effectively to crises as they present in the community or on the telephone.
9. On-Call Duties ? Assumes responsibility for on-call duty as scheduled; effectively manages all contacts and crises; accurately documents all on-call activity and submits paperwork according to established procedures.
10. Documentation- Demonstrates effective management of documentation responsibilities by maintaining accurate records of all interactions with clients, other providers, vendors and representatives from external organizations; adheres to documentation guidelines as established by regulatory bodies and internal policies.
11. Performs All Other Duties as Assigned

POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

1. Uses age appropriate and recovery focused language when speaking and interacting with children, adolescents, adults and seniors with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse disorders and/or involvement with the criminal justice system.
2. Demonstrates necessary knowledge of laws relating to mandated reporting of suspected child abuse and exploitation of adolescents, adults and seniors with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse disorders and/or involvement with the criminal justice system.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION LEVEL OF ACCESS:

MH Data Access Requirements Model ? Blended Case Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's level degree with major course work in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, anthropology, other related social sciences, criminal justice, theology, nursing, counseling or education; OR, be a registered nurse; OR, possess accepted licensure / certification in a related field (i.e., Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner) with 2 years of mental health direct care experience in a public or private human services field; OR, associate's degree in a social science with 3 years of experience in a public or private human services field and a minimum of one year direct care experience; OR, high school diploma and 12 semester credit hours in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other social science and 2 years experience in direct contact with mental health consumers; OR, a high school diploma and 5 years of mental health direct care experience in a public or private human services with employment as a case management staff person prior to April 1, 1989.
2. Exceptional communication skills, both written & verbal, organizational skills & the ability to work effectively with a team.
3. Strong clinical skills with working knowledge of mental health service system.
4. Act 31/33/34 Clearance and FBI Criminal Background Check.
5. Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle during scheduled work hours.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

All staff arerequired to participate in ongoing mandatory training while employed. Training requirements are detailed in theTraining Matrix which is maintained by the Professional DevelopmentDepartment. Along with their supervisor,each staff person is responsible for reviewing the Training Matrix to determineindividual training requirements and completing those requirements in a timelymanner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Some physicalexertion required. Primary job duties consist of working within the community,some office work and verbal communication with co-workers and clients. Some duties include assisting clients inlearning daily living skills which require but is not limited to light lifting,pulling, bending, pushing and kneeling. Careshould be taken to avoid repetitive motion injuries such as those experiencedwith extended computer keyboard use. Localtravel requires the operation of an automobile.

EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able towork under stressful conditions and situations including deadlines and otherregulations in the health care environment. Must be able to work in an environment in which contact with personswith mental illness or mental retardation is a certainty. The nature of thisposition may bring the incumbent in contact with persons with communicablediseases, or put the incumbent in situations where communicable diseases arepresent.

PROBATION EXPECTATIONS:

The first 975hours of employment is a formal probationary period. This is a time in whichthe immediate supervisor and other administrators make a determination as towhether the newly hired employee is appropriate for this position.Appropriateness is based on job skill, job knowledge, demeanor, ability to workas a team member, and output.

CUSTOMERS SERVED:

Incumbents in thisposition should consider the following as "customers": Consumers of servicesin the mental health programs; program supervisors; outside vendors, SBH administration, SBHBoard of Directors and SBH fundingsources.

ON THE JOB HAZARDS:

This position willrequire travel by motor vehicle. All dangers inherent in driving or riding in amotor vehicle are present. Exposure to commercial cleaning agents is likely.MSDS training is required. The nature of this position may cause contact withindividuals who are HIV positive, have hepatitis or other communicablediseases. Training in universal precautions is required. Exposure to second hand smoke is likely.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS:

A pre-employmentphysical check-up is required. Then, employee physical checkups are requiredevery two years.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed tocover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties orresponsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilitiesand activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with orwithout notice.