Transitional Specialist

About the Role:

The Transitional Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the treatment that occurs in the program as well as supporting the client in linkage and remaining in the community. The Transition Specialist may be making calls on behalf of the client, transporting clients when needed, linking clients to resources and following up to ensure that the client has what they need to be successful. This position reports directly to the Residential Program Manager. The specialist acts as a liaison between clients, healthcare providers, and community organizations to facilitate access to services and support systems. By providing guidance, advocacy, and education, the Transitional Specialist empowers clients to achieve greater independence and improved quality of life. Ultimately, this role contributes to reducing barriers and enhancing continuity of care during pivotal transition periods.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Valid Ohio Drivers License
• At least two years of experience working in Alcohol/Drug and or Mental Health.
• Active Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Certification
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse client populations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Working knowledge of EHR, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Responsibilities:

• Identify barriers to success in the community and assist in accessing needed services.
• On-going assessment of needs.
• Support Outpatient and Residential clients in applying for insurance.
• Support clients in developing a supportive appropriate community support (AA, NA, Nami) etc.
• Support clients with obtaining Id’s, Birth Certificates, Social Security cards and identification documents
• Support clients in applying and obtaining SNAP Benefits
• Support clients with obtaining verification of benefits to include SSDI and SSI.
• Support clients in obtaining clothing items.
• Support Counselor’s as needed with contacting Probation Officers to coordinate aftercare services.
• Support in scheduling transportation via client’s insurance for out of county clients.
• Transport clients to appointments outside of the agency to include medication dosing
• Communicate with therapists to identify and determine community support needs
• Facilitate further development of daily living skills, when identified by client or staff.
• Link clients to formal community services.
• Schedule case conferences for each therapist, invite all appropriate parties, and attend as needed.
• To perform administrative functions as deemed necessary by the Manager of Support Services and/or Director.
• Participate in unit staff meetings and other treatment team activities as assigned by Manager of Support Services and/or Director
• To observe and enforce compliance of agency policies and procedures and program rules; and to report any unusual occurrences or events that vary from standard agency operations procedures to the Manager of Support Services and/or Director.
• Develop and lead groups for clients.

• Complete all notes within 24-48 hours of activity
• Provide client monitoring and facilitate scheduled program activities in relation to client behavioral health service plan
• Collect, read and properly dispose of drug screens
• Provide clients who are experiencing difficulties with technical assistance utilizing evidence-based practices in dealing with the here and now acute problems.
• Perform administrative duties as deemed necessary by Residential Program Manager.

Skills:

The Transitional Specialist utilizes strong assessment and analytical skills daily to evaluate client needs and develop effective transition plans. Communication skills are essential for building trust with clients and collaborating with healthcare providers and community partners. Organizational and time management skills enable the specialist to handle multiple cases efficiently while ensuring thorough documentation and follow-up. Problem-solving abilities are applied to overcome barriers and adapt plans to changing client circumstances. Additionally, empathy and cultural sensitivity are critical in providing client-centered support that respects diverse backgrounds and promotes empowerment.