System Navigator

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

JOB SUMMARY:

To provide intensive supportive services to youth and young adults with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. This position will provide liaison services within the agency as well as with community agencies and state/federal agencies in relation to special projects. Services include the completion of a needs assessment and the development and implementation of individualized service plans with individuals and families to promote wellness in the home, school, and community. Refer, monitor, coordinate, and advocate for services and needs. This position is also responsible for maintaining client records and participating in CSA teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• To provide intensive case management and advocacy services for youth and young adults, to include caregivers as appropriate, within the Mount Rogers system, the community, and in the institutions. This includes service coordination, consultation, advocacy, and establishing linkages between resources and individuals and caregivers. These areas include, but are not restricted to: housing, school placement/education, social/recreational/community training, vocational/employment, medical/psychiatric, behavioral health and substance abuse services, nutrition, financial assistance, family support, counseling, human services agencies, legal/court services.
• To act as liaison between Mount Rogers CSB and other institutional and community based programs in order to assure appropriate delivery of services. Liaison activities may include interaction with state and federal agencies in relation to special projects.
• To maintain a record keeping and data collection system appropriate to the needs of individuals served in accordance with regulatory standards, including but not limited to Medicaid and licensure requirements.
• To conduct needs assessments, home and school visits, and phone contacts in order to provide case management services. Develop ISP and implement treatment goals with individuals and caregivers.
• To attend area Family Assessment and Services Team meetings in order to present individual for funding of services and to report on progress. Monitor approved services to assure appropriate service delivery.
• To coordinate and advocate for funding of services with other agencies to assure least restrictive alternative, maximum benefits for individual and caregivers who are consumers of numerous programs.
• To provide education and support to caregivers and agencies in the community who care for or serve individuals with multiple impairments.
• To collaborate with both informal and formal advocacy groups and organizations to establish linkages for support and empowerment.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Provide transportation to clients as needed
• Maintain required trainings
• Attend required staffing meetings
• External and Internal Committee representation

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet all knowledge, skills and abilities described in VA DBHDS Licensure manual – 12VAC35-105-1250 which includes (not inclusive):
  • Knowledge of services and systems available in the community including primary health care, support services, eligibility criteria and intake processes and generic community resources;
  • Knowledge of the nature of serious mental illness, intellectual disability, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders depending on the individuals served, including clinical and developmental issues;
  • Knowledge of treatment modalities and intervention techniques, such as behavior management, independent living skills training, supportive counseling, family education, crisis intervention, discharge planning and service coordination;
  • Skills in identifying and documenting an individual’s need for resources, services, and other supports;
  • Skills in using information from assessments, evaluations, observation, and interviews to develop service plans;
  • Ability to engage in and sustain ongoing relationships with individuals in services.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.

Job Requirements

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

System Navigator must possess a combination of mental health and substance abuse work/internship experience and relevant education which indicates the ability to perform duties: at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields (social work, psychology, psychiatric rehabilitation, sociology, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, human services counseling) and have at least one year experience providing direct services to individuals with diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse.

OR

Certification as a Board of Counseling Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or CSAC-Assistant under supervision In addition, the “Basics of Case Management” curriculum through VA DBHDS must be successfully completed within 30 days of employment.