Wellness Specialist/Case Manager

POSITION: Wellness Specialist/Case Manager

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Social Services

CLASSIFICATION:  Full Time

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Non-Exempt Salaried

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wellness Specialist/Case Manager fulfills two key roles at the Bergen Street Residence: As Case Manager, he/she/they promote participant wellness and autonomy through advocacy, assessment, planning, communication, education, resource management, and service facilitation. As Wellness Specialist, he/she/they provide ongoing groups and individual sessions based on wellness recovery, as well as additional supports to all participating tenants.

The Case Manager/Wellness Specialist is classified as an essential worker, and as such accept responsibility for the completion of their duties, on site, even during times of emergency. These include, but are not limited to, emergencies caused by: weather, nationwide pandemics, civil unrest, and domestic threat.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Carry caseload (total # to be determined and is subject to change).
• Meet with caseload participants weekly and as needed on an individual basis, through assessment with supervisor.
• Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials for teaching residents and staff about physical and mental health and substance use, using a wellness recovery and harm reduction approach.

• Advocate on behalf of participant for health care that is safe, effective, client-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. Maintain a non-judgmental and unbiased approach.
• Link participants with appropriate providers and resources throughout the continuum of health and human services and care settings; escort participants to scheduled and unscheduled psychiatric/medical care as needed.
• Organize, facilitate, and escort participants as needed for on-/off-site activities.
• Manage at least two ongoing groups in Wellness Recovery; track participant participation.
• Ensure the safe handling, service, and delivery of meals to all participants, in accordance with the NYC Food Safety Guidelines.
• Conduct unit inspections and ensure proper follow-up to findings, assisting participants as needed.
• Maintain participant records as “audit-ready” at all times as required by program funding sources, including, but not limited to, recording progress notes, constructing service plans, updating medical and mental health information and completing psychosocial assessments.
• Coordinate with other members of the social services team/site/agency with respect to fire drills, unit inspections, groups, recreation events, and other events.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Program Director and/or Supervisor of Social Services.
• Represent Lutheran Social Services of New York’s mission, values, and ethics, and uphold agency Code of Conduct at all times.
• Demonstrates commitment to social justice and promotes equity by identifying and removing barriers, facilitating learning, cultivating community, and empowering others.

SUPERVISES:

No.
 

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Social Services field preferred).

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years in human services.
• Working knowledge of issues related to homelessness, HIV, substance abuse, mental illness, and entitlements.
   

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Good spoken and written expression.
• Good time management skills, able to handle multiple tasks and assignments at once as well as adhere to the punctuality of a set schedule.
• Flexible, able to work some holidays and weekends.
• Able to establish therapeutic relationships with participants and positive working relationships within LSSNY and with external agencies.
• Proficient in internet navigation, E-mail, and Microsoft Word.
   

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Crisis intervention skills.
• Familiarity with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Willing to participate in continuing education.

DATE REVISED: 6/28/22

Salary : $58,000