ACT Mental Health Advocate (MA)

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a professional position that provides a wide range of supportive, treatment, and advocacy services to a variety of consumers with SPMI (Serious & Persistent Mental Illness), living independently in the community.  The person in this position works with a great deal of independence under the direction and supervision of the ACT Program Supervisor and Adult Services Director

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completes Integrated Bio-Psychosocial & LOCUS assessments for the ACT consumers.
• Participates along with ACT-OMEGA consumers in developing and reviewing Individual Person-Centered Plans of Service and works with the consumer toward achieving identified goals to improve quality of life in the community.
• Provides therapy to ACT-Omega consumers, as indicated.
• Provides individual, group, educational, family support, and activity therapy, as indicated.
• Responsible for meeting direct service productivity and documentation standards per agency and program standards and expectations.
• Maintains consumer records, prepares reports and correspondence with professionalism and in a timely manner.
• Performs services within the ACT Fidelity Model.
• Interfaces with consumer’s natural supports, as appropriate.
• Increases consumer engagement and participation in CMH aftercare services.
• Completes incident reports, as appropriate.
• Provides assessments, diagnosis and evaluation.
• Monitors condition/needs of agency ACT-OMEGA vehicles.
• Participates in team meetings, case conferences, in-service trainings, and staff meeting.
• Acts as consumer advocate; assists and educates consumers to follow through with health/medical needs.
• Engages in crisis intervention, as needed.
• Ensures psychiatric evaluations are scheduled and consumers have needed medication.
• Provides assistant with transportation to needed resources/links in the community.
• Is “On-Call” via agency cell phone for ACT-OMEGA Programs, as scheduled.
• Knowledge of and attends trainings related to Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment.
• Works with C.O.T.S. liaisons.
• Adhere to all requirements/standards of the Behavioral Health Telehealth Agreement
• Participate in in-service planning and programming
• Maintain a professional posture in attendance, attitude, conduct, and conflict resolution.
• Adhere to MiSide policies and procedures
• Adhere to MiSide code of ethics, and comply with local, state and federal laws
• Other tasks and responsibilities, as assigned

EDUCATION  

Master’s Degree (MSW/MA) in social work, psychology, or a degree in a related field that is Medicaid billable under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 1 year of experience working with evaluation, treatment, and services delivered to adults and their families

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES      

• State of Michigan social work licensure (LMSW/LLMSW), preferred
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, valid insurance of personal vehicle, if used, and a driving record that is acceptable to MiSide’s insurance carrier.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES     

• Ability to work in a wide variety of non-office community settings with consumers with chronic symptoms of mental illness to function in their community settings
• General knowledge of Northwest Detroit and surrounding community; knowledge of concrete services and available support systems to aid in consumer advocacy.
• Knowledge of the theoretical basis of treatment and consumer programming as practiced in community mental health setting.
• Ability to establish effective clinical and collaborative relationships with a wide range of people.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with employees, managers and the general public.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service skills and professionalism toward internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently and assume self-direction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time, organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to input data, organize and manage confidential documents and records.
• Ability to maintain cultural awareness and sensitivity to differing backgrounds.
• Proficient in the use of all MS Office applications, Office 365 and familiarity with other web-based solutions.
• Flexibility, time management and critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of the symptoms and classifications of mental illness and dual diagnosis.
• A working knowledge of pharmacology and psychotropic drugs.
• Ability to receive and utilize constructive recommendations.

Salary : $30 - $35