Description

Examples of Duties

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide outreach, advocacy, and referral services to all diverse segments of the West Springfield population.
• Provide informational counseling services to individuals and families impacted by addiction, substance misuse, and related mental health issues; making appropriate referrals to available local programs.
• Promote community awareness and understanding concerning addiction, substance misuse, and mental health; provide information about available resources and programs that address these issues.
• Assist with connecting individuals to appropriate housing support services if needed.
• Develop rapport with youth, adults, and families to encourage the use of services through workshops, educational events, and one-on-one referrals. Promote and publicize services throughout the community to ensure utilization.
• Refer residents to the appropriate services that can assist with the procurement of support services (examples: fuel assistance, utility assistance, food stamps, the food pantry, childcare, housing, emergency shelter, Social Security disability benefits, transportation, employment, legal resources, health insurance including MassHealth, domestic violence assistance and various support groups).
• Assemble and update resources for residents to utilize services in times of need.
• Work in close collaboration with crisis intervention professionals and/or the Police Department regarding youth, adults, and families identified as needing assistance. Services may include follow-up, referrals, record keeping, and document management.
• Make home, facility, and school visits. Assist residents and families in defining needs. Facilitate access to services, make appropriate referrals, and provide information regarding resources available, including mental health counseling, housing, healthcare, home care, transportation, nutrition, financial and legal services available to residents.
• Maintain a daily log of phone calls and activities and written reports and statistics monthly with reports to the Chief of Staff on a routine basis.
• Comply with mandated reporting guidelines and procedures and report information to the appropriate protective service agency, i.e., the Department of Children and Families, as necessary.
• Work with other City departments, sometimes as a liaison (examples: Police, Fire, School, Library, Council on Aging, Veteran's Services, etc.).
• Receive and respond to requests for information; refer individuals to other agencies for services.
• Meet with residents potentially in home settings, to define client needs and facilitate access to services to meet those needs. Provide programmatic information and direction to assist and encourage clients' participation in department activities and events.
• Perform other similar or related duties, as required or as the situation dictates.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field with 3 years experience working in Human Services. (required)
• Experience or knowledge of insurance companies especially MassHealth. (required)
• Knowledge of mental illness, the interface between mental health and medical conditions and systems, substance abuse, and care management (required).
• Professional demeanor and phone skills in communicating with clients and care team clients (required).

• Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR,) internet, word processing and email systems (preferred).

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of __ hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.