Supported Living Caseworker, Lackawanna County (Full-Time)

Brief Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Housing Specialist I, the Supported Living Caseworker provides necessary support for individuals involved in the Supported Living Program by insuring a comfortable, home-like environment for residents of this program, which requires the ability to establish therapeutic relationships with the chronically mentally ill individual.

Assigned duties are implemented in a manner appropriate to the age-specific needs of the clients served.

Type of supervision exercised: None. Jobs reporting to this position: None.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related discipline, OR Associate’s degree with six months experience in a Mental Health residential setting, OR High School diploma required with (3) three years experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Years of experience in working with chronically mentally ill individuals required according to schedule above.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB:

• Works with consumers directly in preparing for residential placement. Identifies areas of development, particularly daily living skills, re-enter skills, budgeting, medication, transportation, etc. Once placed, continues to work with consumer in above areas as well as encouraging and providing specific suggestions on constructive use of leisure time, personal growth planning, etc., for such consumers. Support work will principally take place within the consumer’s home on a regular basis.
• Develops a formal Supported Living Support Program that specifically addresses certain areas of personal development that will assure attention to and conditions for successful independent living for mental health consumers. The development of this program will include a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Plan using the Psychiatric Principle. Caseworkers will develop this plan in conjunction with the Coordinator of Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
• Works with Housing Specialist I in investigating a range of private and public housing opportunities and recommending approaches and solutions to housing problems.
• Works in conjunction with Intensive Case Managers to reduce stress in consumer’s home environment.
• Assists consumer in identifying, assessing and learning to utilize community resources. Develops proficiency in policies and procedures of potential sources of benefits, assistance , any relevant social services, etc., and provides linkage for consumers to such.
• Provides assigned appropriate moving assistance for clients including, but not limited to, coordination of utility installations, acquisition of household goods, physical movement and transportation arrangements, support scheduling, lease review, safety procedures, landlord/tenant/support communication, etc.
• Maintains required case management records documenting client progress, client records, correspondence, etc., in client charts and in computer database.
• Reports regularly to MH Supervisor on client progress. Communicates regularly with clinical staff and residential staff on significant and relevant housing issues. Provides bi-annual survey of program participants on issues of housing and support.
• Organizes and serves as moderator for a support group for consumers placed in supported living and those consumers interested in receiving such services.
• Remains knowledgeable in areas of housing and support through continued readings of relevant publications, including professional journals, bulletins, articles, public documents, etc. Demonstrates awareness and initiative to implement improvements and changes in methods of operation.