JOB SUMMARY

In accordance with agency Mission, Vision, Values and Goals, the Transitional Outreach Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides housing and community support to those clients transitioning to independent living. Responsibilities include PATH enrollment and detailed documentation in the Caseworthy system, VAT assessments, Medicaid, SSI, disability, and other funding source application assistance, attending community meetings for coordinated entry, PATH trainings, Community Service League, and other community partners. The CSS networks with our community providers and thinks non-traditionally to problem-solve for persons served and will work to provide long term safety net housing and community support measures to meet the needs of a consumer.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Provides community support services to clients at New Connections and assisting those clients in accessing all necessary community resources needed to ensure successful independent living in a quick and efficient manner. Will provide all necessary education and support to ensure clients have the necessary skills to be successful in an independent living situation.

Responsible for working with and identifying appropriate consumers for PATH services. Ensuring that PATH enrollment documentation and data is entered into Caseworthy in an accurate/timely manner to ensure individuals are tracked within this system and linked to appropriate housing services.

Responsible for attending all related PATH trainings and community wide meetings such as coordinated entry meetings through the Greater Kansas City Homeless Coalition. Will be responsible for assisting eligible PATH identified clients to complete the VAT assessment.

Responsible for assisting clients in applying for Medicaid, Food Stamps, disability, and identifying appropriate housing options. To provide case management services to help individuals identify barriers to successful treatment and connect them with community resources to overcome these barriers.

Knowledgeable of all agency program criteria including financial aspects to ensure that the client meets these for successful admission. Coordinates with the appropriate staff taking over the care of the consumers and ensuring that all needs are communicated clearly to ensure continuity of care.

Completes all necessary documentation in the EMR in a thorough and timely manner according to agency guidelines.

Makes appropriate referrals to internal and external providers/programs based on the client needs.

Serves as a vital multi-disciplinary team member, and facilitates program, departmental and agency communication/operations and shares information with team to develop more comprehensive services for the program.

Follows all agency policies and procedures including emergency and corporate compliance policies/procedures 100% of the time.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

Serves as a back up to the Mobile Crisis Response Team, during business hours, by providing immediate crisis intervention service to clients in the Eastern Jackson County area.

Provides assistance to CMHS staff/operator and ACI crisis team during emergency situations and staff shortages.

Provides Consultation and Education for the community as assigned.

Serves on departmental, program, or agency committee(s) or task team(s) as assigned.

Note:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling or closely related human services field. If the degree is in a field other than human services, a bachelor's degree and four years of experience in mental health is required.

Experience:

2 years of experience working with behavioral health population required.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

SOAR training required after hire.

Special Skills:

Communication (oral and written)

Crisis Intervention

Establishing rapport in professional relationships

Organization/time management

Case management

Knowledge of community resources

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:

Must become Privileged Staff according to Medicaid guidelines to provide services for consumers if required by the department. Must acquire and maintain required agency training.

Must complete eighteen (18) hours per year with documented attendance of professional development/training or education related to case management, SOAR, PATH and trauma informed care.

Must maintain a valid driver’s license. Must have access to dependable auto with adequate auto insurance and registration, for making frequent home/community visits.

DEGREE OF SUPERVISION:

Supervised by Housing & Employment Coordinator, and is outlined as needed, with a minimum of 1 hour of face to face supervision per month.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None