CSU Specialist Hourly

General Statement of Duties:

This crisis stabilization program is a short term, 7-bed intensive residential program staffed 24 hours a day to provide crisis services to individual with mental health and co-occurring disorders. CSU Specialist is responsible for providing crisis stabilization services to individuals with a mental illness or co-occurring illness (mental health and substance use related disorder) experiencing a mental health crisis. This includes assessing service needs, developing treatment plans and providing assistance with access to community resources. CSU Specialist is expected to attend team meetings, other professional meetings and represent the program to the community as needed. CSU Specialist receives direct regular supervision from the CSU Supervisor. Assures compliance with agency policy, client rights, confidentiality, licensure regulations and Medicaid regulations as applicable. This position works with other crisis stabilization team members, family members, other caregivers, and community resources.

This position is classified non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Major Essential Functions:

• Assists in providing therapeutic interventions in both individual and group settings to persons who are in crisis due to their mental health status.
• Assists with admission process and discharge process for individuals being admitted to/discharged from the program.
• Provides input in the development of treatment plans that address the needs of the resident’s treatment during enrollment and collaborates with Case Coordinator regarding needed referrals and services upon discharge.
• Works to establish linkages between resident and naturally occurring supports in the family and community, as well as with other service providing agencies.
• Assists residents with daily living tasks as needed, including general facility upkeep, laundry, meal preparation, and transportation.
• Accurately completes clinical documentation and other paperwork as required.
• In conjunction with other program staff, provides general supervision of the CSU, and ensures that policies and procedures are followed.
• Responds to emergency situations that occur and appropriately involves other providers, including other program staff, agency emergency services staff, emergency medical services, and law enforcement, as needed.
• Completes other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor and/or other management staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques involved in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with mental health, and co-occurring disorders both individually and in a group setting.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring, treatment interventions both individually and in a group setting.
• Good diagnostic, evaluative, and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of mental health recovery models of care.
• Knowledge of treatment modalities and intervention techniques, such as group therapy, behavior management, supportive counseling, family education, crisis intervention, and discharge planning.
• Skills in identifying and documenting a consumer’s needs for resources, services and other support; using information from assessments,
• Ability to problem-solve and respond quickly to crisis situations. Ability to function calmly in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and with private and public agency personnel.
• The ability to work as part of a clinical treatment team is essential.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelors level in Human Services plus one year of experience in the human services field.
• Must be eligible to register as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) or QMHP-eligible with the State of Virginia.

Additional Requirements:

• Mandt Training
• CPR Certification
• Trauma Informed Treatment
• First Aid Certification
• AED Training

Other Information:

Work Equipment: Telephone, PC, pager, AED, misc. household appliances (i.e. washer/dryer, stove, dishwasher)

Work Environment: Residential setting with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation and noise levels.

Work Location: 1353 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Work Hazards: Standard hazards associated with a residential mental health treatment environment; disruptive, escalated, and/or dysregulated behaviors. Use of universal precautions required. Use of protective equipment recommended.

Work Schedule: Hours may include daytime and/or evenings, weekdays and/or weekends in order to provide support to residents based on their needs. Some flexibility is required in order to meet and respond to coverage needs and individual residents’ needs. Regular and reliable attendance is required.