Mental Health Specialist (MI-MDT)

Under the general supervision of a Mental Health Program Coordinator, coordinates the delivery of therapeutic treatment, community support, psychosocial rehabilitation, and a variety of other services to individuals with mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. Participates in treatment teams by participating in the development and implementation of person-centered treatment plans.  Ensures that consumers access the internal and external treatment services and community-based social and economic services required for achievement of treatment goals and maximum independent functioning.

This is a full-time, benefited position based at the James Street Campus in Holland, MI.  This position will work Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Frequent travel, throughout the County, to consumers' homes and other community settings.The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under the direction of team clinicians, provides targeted case management services.  Assists consumers in obtaining a variety of community supports and accessing community resources and benefits, housing, and other basic needs in order to promote consumer recovery and self-sufficiency.
• Maintains  contact  with  Social  Security/SOAR  to  help  homeless  consumers  receive  Social  Security benefits; attends trainings and remains knowledgeable of relevant procedures.
• Provides outreach to consumers in order to establish and maintain engagement in treatment.
• Coordinates care with primary care physicians. May attend medical appointments and advocate with medical community for consumer.
• Coordinates and facilitates the placement of consumers into adult foster care homes or alternative community living situations.
• Assists consumers in locating and obtaining employment in the community and provides additional job support services to consumers to enhance the chances of successful job placement.
• Assists consumers in improving daily living skills and in social and self-sufficiency activities.
• May complete forms on behalf of consumers and explain rules and regulations. May assist consumers in obtaining legal services.
• Performs  placement  services  for  consumers  by  locating,  evaluating,  and  recommending  shelters, residential care facilities, and other community resources with an emphasis on preventing hospitalization.
• Participates in team meetings to discuss and review individual consumer programs and progress and identify issues in treatment for specific individuals.
• Assists consumers during emergency situations by determining needs and coordinating with the Crisis Team for placement into hospitals or other medical clinics if necessary.
• Participates with therapists, other specialists, and clinicians in obtaining biopsychosocial information and developing,  reviewing,  and  modifying  individual  consumer  treatment  plans  to  improve  individual behaviors and life skills.
• Identifies and establishes working relationships with community resources for consumers. Establishes referral protocols and acts as liaison between consumers and those resources as needed.
• Ensures that non-professional staff  are trained in the implementation of an individual's treatment plan.
• Monitors residential facility adherence to established treatment plans and protocols and compliance with professional standards of practice and ethics.
• Researches  residential  treatment  facilities  to  increase  options  for  cost-effective  treatment  and  for specialized placements for child, youth, and adult consumers with multiple severe risk factors.
• Ensures  that  service  delivery  to  consumers  complies  with  CMH  standard  operating  policies  and procedures, Title X, Medicaid Manual for Providers, Michigan Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974), Michigan Department of Community Health rules and regulations and Self-determination Initiative, and CARF accreditation rules, regulations and requirements.
• Maintains case documentation and case notes, and ensures the security and integrity of private health information in compliance with the provisions of HIPAA, Ottawa County, and CMH policies and procedures.
• Prepares all documentation and reports required to maintain compliance with Recipient Rights rules and regulations.
• Provides information about mental health services and makes presentations to members of the community and the general public.
• Facilitates group services such as Family Psycho-Education or other psycheducational groups.

Bachelor's degree in social work required.  Two years of relevant experience in a mental health agency is preferred.  Lived experiences with mental illness or substance use disorders are valued.

Certifications and Licensure: 

1. Must possess State of Michigan licensure as a Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker or Limited Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker. Must qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional).
2. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential strongly preferred.
3. Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license required.

The qualified candidate will have the following knowledge and skills: 

• Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and psychology, principles of recovery, and principles of treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Good working knowledge of various Evidence-Based Practices related to target population. Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of clinical assessment and person-centered treatment planning.
• Good working knowledge of behavioral modification protocols, practices, and techniques.
• Thorough working knowledge of the adult foster care system and residential treatment facilities available to mental health consumers. Thorough working knowledge of professional standards of practice and ethics.
• Good working knowledge of the principles and practices of medical record documentation and medical records management.
• Good working knowledge of public and private services and community resources available to the mentally ill and developmentally disabled populations and to individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy and working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other necessary software programs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.  Work is performed in community settings, including consumers' homes, and in a general office setting.

Salary : $23 - $29