Behavioral Health Housing Specialist

Summary

This position provides on-going support to program participants who are experiencing acute mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues.

Primary Responsibilities

· Receive referrals and assess eligibility of potential clients. Refer to Coordinated Housing Access screening for alternative programs as needed.

· Maintain accurate case files, including intake paperwork, data collection, and documentation on a consistent basis.

· Provide trauma-informed, strengths-based case management for clients experiencing mental health crisis(es) and/or substance abuse issues in order to navigate initial housing placement and maintain stable housing. This includes driving to meet with clients, landlords, and community partners.

· Coordinate with clients, landlords, and community partners to facilitate the housing application process. This includes requesting program funds to address rental barriers and application fees.

· Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners, landlords and property management companies.

· Conduct initial screening to compare participant needs with services offered by the program.

· Working with program participants, develop a feasible action plan for the purpose of continued housing stability.

· Refer participants to appropriate behavioral health services as needed.

· Follow up with clients to provide continued, individualized support for action plan items.

· Serve as a liaison and advocate for program participants with landlords, property managers, and other community partners.

· Using established de-escalation methods, assist members of the department with clients who are in acute crisis.

· Submit accurate and complete requests for funding with appropriate documentation utilizing NWFS procedures.

· Regular attendance is required.

· Other duties as required.

General Responsibilities

· Follow the protocol, policies, and procedures of the department and agency.

· Maintain accurate documentation on a consistent basis.

· Complete and submit reports as needed.

· Maintain confidentiality of client information and comply with HIPAA guidelines.

· Provide culturally responsive services that are equitable, respectful, and relevant to people from a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and orientations.

· Attend meetings and trainings as required.

· Regularly participate in professional development.

Education / Experience

· A Master’s degree in Social Work or related field; or a Bachelor’s degree plus three years of direct experience.

· At least one year of experience in intensive case management.

· Training as well as the proven ability to de-escalate situations and/or individuals who are in acute crisis using established de-escalation methods and procedures.

Skills and Abilities

· Thorough understanding of mental health and substance use disorders.

· Able to build and maintain rapport with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and personalities.

· Assess or screen to compare client needs with services offered by the program.

· Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.

· Able to consistently enter data accurately.

· Have effective and flexible communications skills.

· Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face, online and on the phone.

· Maintain confidentiality.

· Skill to use a personal computer and various software packages.

· If using personal vehicle on company business, must have a valid driver’s license and meet minimum automobile insurance requirements.

Working Conditions

· Work performed in an office may require extended periods of computer and phone usage.

· Able to work with people who are in acute mental crisis or other intense situations.

· Bend, climb, reach, and lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

· Data entry for moderate periods of time.

· Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

· Working indoors and outdoors.

· May be exposed to excessive weather conditions.

· Slippery and uneven walking surfaces.

· Able to effectively communicate and exchange information.

· May be required to work flexible or non-standard work hours including weekends.

Organizational Culture

Northwest Family Services, through our mission, practices and the services we offer, are committed to the belief that all people deserve dignity and respect. As we serve our communities, we will continue to work together to listen, to learn, and to act to overcome historic values and structures that have led to discrimination and inequities.

We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, where all staff are valued and given opportunity to grow and succeed equitably. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, primary language, ethnic background or socioeconomic status. NWFS pursues policies, strategies, and programs which promote cultural responsiveness in our daily work. We seek staff who share our vision and commitment to our communities.

Pay: $38.50 - $39.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Required)
• de-escalation: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $39 - $40