Family Guide Representative

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT  

CLASSIFICATION:  Family Guide Representative

PAY GRADE: $20.36- $23.68 Hourly

POSITION SUMMARY:                     

Under the direct supervision of the Mental Health Supervisor (Centralized Intake Access Unit), this position is the first point of contact for families exploring services for a child with serious emotional disturbances. This position helps the family/child understand the array of services available and directs them to the services determined to best meet their need. This position assures that families have access to accurate, understandable, and complete information in order to make choices regarding the services that will best meet the needs of their family/child. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Functions as a member of the Centralized Access and Intake Unit.

2. Acts as the first point of contact for families seeking services for a child with SED.

3. Is knowledgeable and able to share with families the array of services available to them as well as the opportunity to receive services as part of Saginaw’s System of Care (SOC) effort.

4. Works closely with Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) System Administrative Team to understand the SOC effort, especially the evaluation process as it pertains to families.

5. Works closely with the Wraparound Team to understand wraparound services in order to identify families that might benefit from such services.

6. Becomes knowledgeable about all services throughout the SCCMHA Network and in the community in order to clearly explain to families their options and guide them to services most appropriate to their families needs/desires.

7. Understands SCCMHA eligibility criteria and refers families in the appropriate direction based on this understanding.

8. Makes reminder calls and answers questions that families may have prior to their first intake appointment.

9. May provide the first service after intake (orientation to the unit) in partnership with the Supervisor in order to support families through this process.

10. Ensures that families have full access to accurate, understandable and complete information necessary to make choices.

11. May be required to work flexible hours to meet the needs of families.

12. Is responsible to assure that an intake is scheduled for the family within 14 days of the request for service.

13. Completes all necessary documentation in the electronic medical record within the time frames established in policy.

14. Will work closely with the SCCMHA Care Management Department to assure families/children meet eligibility criteria and are guided to the most appropriate service for their families needs.

15. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

 INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Performs various administrative/clerical functions such as preparing travel vouchers, making copies of documents, filing, etc.

2. Attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to the public mental health mission.

3. Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.

4. May occasionally transport families/children to and from agencies and community resources in personal automobile.

 (The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to:   Mental Health Supervisor (Centralized Access/Intake Unit)

Supervises:    None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in hospitals, office or in homes of consumers and their families. Close contact with persons who may not be psychiatrically stable and who may be hostile, aggressive and potentially violent. May work in shared office space with a fast paced and very stressful environment at times. May be required to travel between SCCMHA locations to support families throughout the intake process.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     High school diploma or GED; some post secondary education preferred.

Experience:    Parent or caregiver of a child (or children) with serious emotional disturbances who has/have received services from one or more of the system of care partner agencies. Has a basic understanding of the SCCMHA eligibility criteria and services available to families. Has demonstrated knowledge and experience working with families and supporting them to needed services. Demonstrates and understanding of system of care values and principles. Has demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse stake holders.

Licenses and Certifications:   Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record. Must have or attain within six (6) months of hire certification through Michigan Department Community Health (MDCH) as a Certified Parent Support Partner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:    

1. Knowledge of the mental health services and system of care principles

2. Ability to interview and communicate effectively with consumers and occasionally deal with irate individuals.

3. Ability to diplomatically associate and relate to individuals of all social, economic and cultural backgrounds.

4. Knowledge of and ability to use desktop computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail, etc.

5. Ability to function independently without immediate access to supervision and to respond to crisis with calm and good judgment.

Physical/Mental Requirements:    

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on the telephone.

2. Visual Acuity to observe situations read and proofread documents and use a personal computer.

3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)

5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, families, community partners and the general public.

7. Analytical skills necessary to participate in project research, help analyze, and interpret project data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.

8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.

9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with variety of persons with opposing view points.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)