JOB SUMMARY

In accordance with agency Mission, Vision, Values and Goals, the Outreach and Access Specialist provides assertive engagement to people experiencing mental health or substance abuse symptoms. The outreach specialist assists with engaging these individuals in services by creative service provision, problem solving and relationship building. The Outreach and Access Specialist networks with other community providers and provides and enhances a safety net for persons served and will work in nontraditional ways to meet the needs of a consumer.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Actively works to outreach clients and gain client consent and buy-in to enter into treatment services for assigned high risk populations including, but not limited to referrals from the Hospitals, DMH, Path, CMHL, Mental Health Court, Disease Management and Hospital Diversion/ERE program.

Provides outreach transitional case management services to clients referred to the agency through the crisis department until they become fully engaged in services with their provider, or for a maximum period of 3 months. This case management includes, but is not limited to: follow up calls/appointments with clients, monitoring of symptoms, accessing/linking with appropriate community resources, coordinating appointments and services with appropriate departments.

Responsible for working with and identifying appropriate consumers for PATH and/or SOAR services. Ensuring that documentation and data required is completed in a timely manner and attending all related trainings and community wide meetings.

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 a thorough and timely manner according to agency guidelines.

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

Assists with involuntary commitments and submits proper documents to Probate Court.

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.

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 Outreach and Crisis Services Coordinator, and is outlined as needed, with a minimum of 1 hour of face to face supervision per month.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None