Consumer Advocate / UMMC PACT Team Job ID: 60625 Area of Interest:
Allied Health Location: Baltimore, MD US Hours of Work: M-F, 8:30-5p Job
Facility: University of Maryland Medical Center Employment Type: Not
Indicated Shift: DAY What You Will Do: University of Maryland Medical
Center is currently seeking a Consumer Advocate to join our Programs for
Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Team. This position is a Mobile
Community Treatment Team. All candidates must have valid Driver's
License to be able to go out and provid treatment within the community
The PACT Consumer Advcate - provides instruction, counseling and
clinical case management in programmatic areas such as, rehabilitation,
residential, vocational, case management and community integration to
mentally ill and/or homeless clients. Principal Responsibilities and
Task Assists in providing comprehensive, intensive, and coordinated
mental health or rehabilitation services to an assigned group of
chronically mentally ill (including, homeless) adult clients following
generally accepted counseling practices and departmental procedures by
assisting in the implementation of individual rehabilitation or therapy
programs and case management services as needed. * Participates in the
development of individual treatment and/or rehabilitation plans in
collaboration with a licensed therapist or staff psychiatrist by
providing input from daily observations and interactions with
clients/members. May co-lead group therapy with other team staff, where
applicable. * Assists in developing clients daily living skills by
teaching/demonstrating appropriate behaviors and correcting
inappropriate behaviors to meet social, environmental and health care
needs. Supervises and participates in performing tasks with clients,
such as, cleaning, self-care/grooming, preparing meals, planning
household budgets, food shopping, interpersonal relations,
educational/vocational activities (clerical, maintenance) and clothing
purchases. * Observes and documents client progress in mastering skills.
Participates in the assessment of client strengths and
weaknesses/limitations as related to presenting problems and recommends
alternate/further treatment. * In conjunction with medical and other
counseling staff, monitors the client's medication by observation or
client self-report of medicine compliance. Provides crisis intervention
and emergency counseling as needed, notifying the supervisor of client
condition or status in accordance with departmental protocol/procedures.
- Initiates community referrals/follow-ups on placements and referrals
for a client in a crisis situation to assist in the recovery process. *
Makes visits as necessary in "the field" to manage crisis and provide
outreach services, including, but not limited to, assessing the need for
additional help, mobilize family or "network" supports, or bring client
into the center for additional services. * Monitors the housing unit or
treatment milieu and reports repairs and maintenance to the appropriate
parties, as necessary, to help maintain a safe, clean and cost effective
environment. * Maintains comprehensive client records, and prepares
required reports as necessary in accordance with departmental
procedures. * Completes daily assessment notes for each client.
Communicates and documents activities and behaviors of clients in
reports to maintain required records, especially Individual
Rehabilitation Plans or Individual Treatment Plans. * Compiles and
completes statistical data necessary for billing, attendance reports and
use of services reports. Participates in weekly clinical supervisory
sessions with mental health professionals to understand the client's
social and psychological problems and to evaluate and recommend changes
in the rehabilitation or treatment plan as necessary with the approval
of the Clinical Program Director. * Communicates regularly with medical
and nursing staff, patients, relatives and appropriate outside agencies
to assist in coordinating comprehensive psycho-social services for
patients in accordance with departmental procedures. Presents initial
assessment information to a multi-disciplinary team for input in
finalizing the diagnosis and treatment plan in accordance with
departmental procedures. Attends and participates in in-service training
and various educational programs for professional growth and development
to improve clinical skills and broaden the knowledge base. Keeps
up-to-date on changes in the field. Participates in research and
training activities as necessary, by helping collect data and providing
service according to approved protocols. Participates in cross coverage
and on-call coverage when needed. Provides guidance and daily direction
to volunteers. What You Need to Be Successful: 1. High School Diploma or
equivalent (GED) is required. Associate of Arts degree in Psychology, or
related field, is preferred. 2. Driver's License with no more than 2
points on driving record 3. CPR certification is required. 4. Minimum of
two (2) years experience working with mentally ill, mentally retarded
and/or the homeless assisting in implementing treatment programs and
monitoring client progress, or equivalent related experience, is
required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Knowledge of psychosocial
(rehabilitation) methods of counseling and crisis intervention and
community support techniques is required. 2. General knowledge of state
Medicaid guidelines, and related confidentiality and privacy regulations
is required. 3. Effective verbal and written communication,
interpersonal and listening skills are necessary to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff members and
the general public. 4. Ability to monitor client medication and to work
in a frequently stressful work environment is required. 5. Ability to
demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate
to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge
of the principles of growth and development over the life span and
ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative
to his or her population-specific and age specific needs. We are an
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender
identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin,
disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic
protected by law.