Community Support Specialist (Mental Health)

$43,000 - $50,500/Yr

Mcclendon Center

Full-time - Entry Level

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The McClendon Center, a certified community-based service provider, is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team in providing outpatient behavioral rehabilitation services to individuals with mental health challenges. Founded in 1980, we are a respected not-for-profit organization in Washington, DC, committed to fostering creativity, promoting friendship, instilling independence, and facilitating emotional growth among our consumers. As the only independent mental health agency in the District accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality care and support to our community. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting ongoing assessments of consumers' needs and facilitating the development and updating of their service plans. You will assist consumers in crisis situations, help them apply for benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, and support them in locating community resources. Your responsibilities will also include helping consumers find safe and affordable housing, accompanying them to critical appointments, and teaching them to navigate public transportation. You will play a crucial role in monitoring consumers' medication compliance, providing education and support to their families, and documenting all services provided. Additionally, you will participate in the on-call system to respond to consumers after hours and advocate for them as they navigate social and governmental systems. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and maintaining confidentiality are essential aspects of this position. You will also be expected to meet productivity standards and assist in maintaining compliance with Joint Commission and Medicaid standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing assessment of consumers' wants and clearly identified needs, and facilitates the development and updating of the service plan and assessment and diagnostic review every 180 days with no gaps between plans.
• Assist and supports consumers in crisis situations.
• Assist consumers in applying for all benefits and entitlements, such as SSI, Medicaid, Section 8, energy assistance, and other eligible services.
• Assists consumers in locating and utilizing community resources, such as AA, self-help groups and recreational centers.
• Locate safe, sanitary and affordable housing for consumers that is appropriate for the level of care needed and provide support during transition from different types of housing.
• Accompany consumers to critical services when necessary, especially medication appointments and Center psychiatric appointments.
• Teach consumers to utilize public transportation and to apply for any reduced fares.
• Assist consumers in symptom self-management, monitor consumers' compliance with medication, and any response, side effects, or medication problems.
• Assist consumers in accessing health-related services as needed.
• Provide education, support and consultation to consumers' families and support system as appropriate.
• Documents all services provided by billing and writing progress notes no later than 11:59pm on the next business day following the date of service.
• Reviews and updates assessment and diagnostic review and service plans every 180 days with no gaps between plans.
• Reports and maintains all consumer related correspondence and activities as they occur.
• Complete crisis plans, Level of Care Utilization Score (LOCUS), Global Assessment of Individualized Needs (GAIN) assessment, and Reaching Recovery assessment with the consumer every 180 days.
• Provide external monitoring and support when consumers are engaged in services with other agencies.
• Participates in the on-call system that will respond to consumers after hours, during holidays, and on weekends.
• Provide advocacy and support for consumers as they navigate social, governmental and community systems.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences and training sessions as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with all collateral agencies demonstrating positive interaction.
• Maintain the confidentiality of consumers at all times and operates within the Code of Ethics of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.
• Develop familiarity with Joint Commission, Medicaid and Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) standards and compliance requirements, and assists as needed in maintaining Joint Commission accreditation, Medicaid compliance and DBH.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• One (1) to four (4) years of experience in a social services or nonprofit environment. Experience in a mental health or similar agency is highly desired.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to coordinate with a multi-disciplinary team within an outpatient mental health agency.
• A superior communicator, who shares information readily and concisely, listens as well as gives advice, and respects the abilities of others.
• Knowledge of sound ethical practices and principles related to the care of mental health consumers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, to include operating Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Knowledge and ability to navigate an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), including data entry.
• Ability to relate to adults diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness, using knowledge of concepts, principles, and theories related to mental health and mental illness.
• Ability to perform amicably in an environment serving the seriously and persistently mentally ill adult population.
• Ability to respect and uphold client confidentiality.
• Ability to exhibit a high level of organizational skills and able to prioritize and multi-task without direct supervision.

Benefits

• A competitive starting base salary of $43,000 - $50,500 annually based on experience.
• Professional support and career development.
• A package of comprehensive benefits including 100% employer paid health, dental and wellness, AFLAC supplemental benefits, four weeks of combined sick and vacation leave, 403(b) retirement employer contributions, Incentive programs, Tuition stipend, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, life insurance, EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
• Company paid holidays.
• The latest technology and work tools including a laptop and iPhone.