Mental Health Clinician

The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) is an acclaimed human services organization and one of the nation’s largest providers of housing and social services. CUCS provides integrated programs that link housing, health, and social services for individuals and families who are homeless, low-income, living with mental illness, or have other special needs in New York City.  

CUCS invites applications for a Mental Health Clinician at Williamsbridge Gardens, a permanent supportive housing site located in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx, serving 51 formerly homeless families, and 34 individuals with serious mental illness with substantial impairments in functioning. CUCS provides comprehensive on-site social services using a recovery orientation, which includes evidence based practices with particular emphasis on mental health and substance use recovery and a family systems approach for families.    

The Mental Health Clinician will provide a full range of person-centered, strengths-based clinical services to a caseload of approximately 10-15 individuals and families with the objective to help people live full and satisfying lives in the community. Services include case management, entitlements assistance, counselling, advocacy, referrals and information, crisis intervention, engagement, monitoring, regular outreach, psycho-education, escorting to various appointments within the community, and coordination of care with outside service providers.

The Mental Health Clinician is additionally expected to assist in program planning, development and implementation of group services with particular emphasis on mental health, chemical dependency and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Additional responsibilities include involvement in evidence based practices such as Supported Employment and Motivational Interviewing, as well as close collaboration with the team’s Clinical Supervisor in leadership of the team to meet contractual obligations and achieve program success while fulfilling CUCS’s core purpose, values and vision.

The Mental Health Clinician will receive weekly clinical supervision that meets the requirements for LCSW hours and will have access to all CUCS agency trainings.

Please note Mental Health Clinician responsibilities may vary depending on the program site.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Build relationships and work collaboratively with clients to develop and implement effective service plans.
• Coordinate and deliver comprehensive services and referrals to meet client needs. Assist clients with self-administration and delivery of medication in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement service plans that incorporate client goals, employment and education interests, support systems, medical and mental health diagnoses, substance use history, medication regimens, risk factors, collateral contacts, and psychosocial history.
• Conduct mental health evaluations and assessments, including mental status examinations, psychosocial assessments, and diagnoses in accordance with the most recent DSM, as applicable.
• Conduct intake and initial assessments to determine eligibility, service needs, and appropriate program placement.
• Complete ongoing assessments to monitor client progress, revise service plans, and ensure alignment with program goals and requirements.
• Provide psychotherapy and counseling services, including substance use counseling, to promote medical and psychiatric stability.
• Provide advanced crisis intervention using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach. Support Case Managers as needed and coordinate with emergency services. Conduct in-reach to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, jails, and nursing homes to support discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Engage and coordinate care with external providers, collateral contacts, and social supports. Provide ancillary services including outreach, intake, escort, and recreational activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all agency policies regarding client privacy.
• Provide group-based services, including evidence-based practice groups, therapeutic groups, wellness self-management sessions, and activity-based groups.
• Assist clients in accessing federal, state, and local benefits, including identifying programs, completing applications, escorting clients to appointments, and tracking renewals.
• Support clients in managing financial resources, including providing representative payee services.
• Attend required trainings to support clients in obtaining benefits in accordance with program and funder requirements.
• Facilitate housing placement by identifying appropriate options, assisting with applications and documentation, coordinating with housing providers, and supporting clients through the search, transition, and move-in process.
• Monitor clients post-placement and conduct follow-up outreach in accordance with agency policies.
• Assist clients in maintaining housing, including managing arrears, completing annual recertifications, preparing for inspections, and communicating with landlords or property management.
• Support activities of daily living, including hygiene, personal care, laundry, cleaning, pest remediation, hoarding mitigation, and preparation for inspections.
• Conduct in-home visits and support clients in maintaining safe and clean living environments.
• Provide services both onsite and in the community, including accompanying clients to appointments, interviews, and other required engagements.
• Facilitate or lead team meetings as assigned and provide clinical guidance during crises. Support team operations in the absence of the Clinical Supervisor.
• Support staff with client assessments, coordinate care with psychiatric and medical providers, and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up on referrals.
• Lead policy review sessions, provide in-service training, and supervise interns as applicable.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in designated systems, including progress notes, service plans, assessments, and benefit-related documentation, in compliance with agency and funder requirements.
• Maintain required monthly contact hours with clients and/or collaterals.
• Monitor client progress and adjust service plans as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.