What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Benefits Specialist - Community Transitions - South Holland position at Cornerstone Services Inc.?
General Functions: Serve as the Behavioral Health Department's benefits specialist and resource person in linking qualified individuals with public entitlement benefits, including Public Aid, Social Security, and insurance through Managed Care Organizations. Individuals served have a mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorder and a history of homelessness/institutionalization.
Specific Functions:
Disability Benefits: Perform coordinated screening and assessment of the benefit needs of the person served.
Utilize the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, Recovery) model which dramatically expedites the SSI/SSDI application process and reduces the disability determination period for homeless persons with mental illnesses.
Receive and complete training on SOAR to obtain and maintain certification.
Provide monthly income documentation to SSA.
Advocate for the person served with the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office as well as external sources.
Develop a supportive relationship with persons served in order to assist with education and empowerment of the individual.
Medicaid and Insurance: Facilitate Medicaid eligibility determination and enrollment, as needed.
Facilitate the spenddown waiver process for consumers on spenddowns.
With guidance from the Behavioral Health Insurance Specialist, serve as the liaison between the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and consumers.
Collaborate and maintain ongoing communication with case managers about Medicaid insurance changes/options to facilitate continuity of care.
Mental Health: Establish and maintain professional relationships with psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, case managers/workers, nursing staff, counselors, county agencies, community resources, consumers and families.
Deliver mental health services, primarily case management, in accordance with DMH regulations.
Record the process and results of services within established timeframes and in sufficient detail to meet DMH regulations and/or other insurance billing requirements.
Participate in monthly clinical supervision meetings, seek ongoing clinical supervision from supervisors, and participate in continuing education to maintain applicable licenses/certifications.
Work collaboratively with departments to ensure effective communication and continuity of care.
Agency: Maintain ongoing compliance with all agency-related training and certification requirements.
Respond per established procedures to all emergency situations including medical, behavioral, fire, severe weather, and other hazards.
Operate agency or personal vehicle in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Own, maintain, and use personal smartphone for company business in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
- Maintain ongoing compliance with all agency-related training and certification requirements.
- Respond per established procedures to all emergency situations including medical, behavioral, fire, severe weather, and other hazards.
- Operate agency or personal vehicle in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Own, maintain, and use personal smartphone for company business in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Consistent with requirements for Mental Health Professional (bachelor's degree in related field or minimum of five years supervised experience in mental health/human services). Certification in SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) and/or other benefits acquisition programs strongly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the appropriate application of Housing First and Trauma Informed Care modalities. Excellent interpersonal skills and good organizational skills. Experience in working with computers; knowledge of Windows environment preferred. Driving record and auto insurance coverage in accordance with agency policy. A post offer physical and criminal background check required. EOE. . Reliable transportation required. EOE.
Pay: $24.17 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $24