Crisis/Access Specialist

CRISIS/ACCESS SPECIALIST - LOCATION TBD (Traverse city, Cadillac, Houghton Lake, Grayling)

Primary duties of this clinical position involve the performance of Crisis and Access functions including authorization(s) and may include assisting with the coverage of S.E. virtually and vice versa. Activities include screening of non-emergent and emergent requests for service, provide referral assistance; initial orientation to CMH services; authorization/reauthorization of services to consumers with mental illness or developmental disabilities. This position also requires experience with the populations served, familiarity with the wide range of programs and services provided by or purchased by NLCMHA and an ability to match consumers to the appropriate scope and intensity of services required. This position will coordinate additional assignments to appropriate programs and will provide services in a welcoming manner, demonstrating co-occurring disorder competencies. This position is not responsible for the direct supervision of staff. This position works with those in crisis to provide case consultation, crisis intervention including but not limited to risk assessment screening and inpatient assessment, service coordination, and referrals/linkage to resources for individuals, who were identified as requiring mental health/substance use-related supports. This position reports to the Supervisor/Operations Manager as assigned. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Provide essential access system functions for all populations including screening, eligibility determination, collection of relevant information for reporting and decision-making purposes, referrals, provision of relevant consumer information and provision of outreach services when necessary.
• Obtain sufficient information from individuals requesting service to determine their apparent eligibility for service including demographics, clinical assessment and diagnosis, level of care determination and referrals.
• Provide new consumer initial orientation to CMH services including Person Centered Planning process.
• Working knowledge of external agencies and providers and ability to assist requesters of service in linking to other providers when there is a need. Follow up with individuals when appropriate.
• Assure that customers with Limited English Proficiency or other special needs have available and receive appropriate assistance with respect to all CMHSP services, including access to and utilization of the PIHP grievance and appeal process.
• May participate in interventions, assessments, and other aspects of crisis services during and after hours as necessary.
• Screen and address within access service any barriers to service, including speech, language and cultural needs or issues.
• Refer or assist individual to take actions to resolve questions or concerns.
• Provides direct and indirect services, including case consultation and coordination, advocacy, and referral.
• Conduct emergency on-site and or virtual assessments of clients to determine the need for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Provides mobile response to a variety of community settings upon request/referral, including telephone contact, virtual methods (telephone/Teams/Doximity), homes, businesses, shelters, etc.
• Provides face-to-face and/or virtual (telephone/Teams/Doximity) crisis intervention to help de-escalate and/or stabilize individuals in crisis.
• Participate actively in staff development activities including unit meetings, supervisory meetings, community meetings, applicable conferences, and review of current literature regarding services.
• Work cooperatively with the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center, Law Enforcement, Primary Care Physicians, Local Department of Health and Human Services agencies, Schools, ISD, Substance Abuse and other providers to promote provision of quality community-based services.
• Provides follow-up and support services to individuals to ensure their engagement in services.
• Develops rapport and maintains strong working relationships with law enforcement and community stakeholders.
• Assists with training implementation for internal and external partners as appropriate.
• Tracks and collects data points, as identified.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Credentialed by NLCMHA to provide services in this professional discipline.
• Must have and maintain licensure in the State of Michigan as LMSW, LPC or Psychologist
• Limited licensure may be considered
• Master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling from an accredited university. (required)
• One (1) year experience in the mental health field with experience in working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrated competency in the use of diagnostic skills to include the use of most current DSM.
  
  

PAY: $71,663 - $81,663

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (4 options)
• Dental Insurance (2 options)
• Vision Insurance (2 options)
• Health Savings Account
• Healthcare and dependent care flex spending account
• MERS Retirement Plan (with Employer matching up to 5%)
• Paid Time Off (18 days in 1st year)
• Holidays (13 days)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  
  

Working Conditions/Physical Abilities

• This position may require irregular hours.
• This position may require travel by personal vehicle if an agency vehicle is not available.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasionally, lifting up to 25 lbs with or without assistance, stretching/reaching, exposure to hazardous material, stooping.
• Frequently, hand/finger dexterity, talking in person, talking on the telephone, hearing in person, hearing on the telephone, vision for close work.
  
  

NLCMHA EEO Statement

Northern Lakes CMH Authority is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination, including harassment, because of race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Northern Lakes CMH Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or based on sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws. Hiring decisions are based exclusively on merit, qualifications and business needs.