Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Clinical Specialist is a mental health professional who reports directly to the Division VP. This position is primarily clinical and consultative in nature and provides services to all supported housing programs (both single- and scatter- site) throughout the cluster. While the Clinical Specialist does not carry formal supervisory or operational responsibilities, the VP may deputize him/her to delegate and monitor certain tasks and responsibilities to staff at the Program Director level and below in relevant Supported Housing (SH) programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB:

• Assists Program Directors and case management staff to provide quality clinical and crisis management services across the supported housing system, primarily through consultation and training.

• Provides consultation to staff on challenging clinical cases, such as those involving high-risk consumers, (i.e., those with co-morbid medical conditions, those identified as at risk psychiatrically) or individuals who present compliance issues or added complexity due to factors such as AOT/forensic status. Maintains a “caseload” of said consumers, although primary services (counseling, service planning, apartment visits, etc.) are the responsibility of the case management staff.

• Organizes and facilitates internal case conferences as needed, working with staff to design and implement person-centered, evidence-based interventions to resolve clinical/compliance issues, motivate consumers, and determine disposition of cases.

• Attends external case conferences on behalf of the Cluster; participates in decision-making regarding discharge planning to/from SH programs, inpatient settings, detox/rehab programs, etc.

• Oversees the risk assessment process in supported housing, ensuring that assessments are completed as directed, informing the Program Directors and Vice President about status of high-risk consumers, and managing appropriate follow-through by staff.

• Provides staff training as needed (for example, independent living skills training, and wellness activities) and co-facilitates groups- if needed- as a teaching method.

• Oversees the clinical quality and integrity of service planning and utilization review in relevant programs. Provides staff training in these areas.

• Participates actively on the Supported Housing Task Force. Attends the meetings, and is centrally involved in the implementation of initiatives rolled out by the committee.

• Participates in the process of determining readiness for transition to supported housing, including helping staff to identify- and address- skills training needs.

• Develops/oversees supported housing alumni activity and assists with the SH newsletter.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to coordinate activities of staff and integrate as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Ability to manage multiple projects, delegate tasks and ensure completion of all tasks, assigned and delegated

• Ability to manage resources

• Ability to solve problems effectively

• Ability to work with consumers/residents, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences.

• Ability to serve as a role model to residents/consumers.

• Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify a case management plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards

• Ability to complete written forms and reports in an accurate and timely manner.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, consumers/residents, families, and the public.

• Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned.

• Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others

• Ability to work independently, and to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures

• Ability to be aware of other’s reactions and understanding why they react the way they do

• Ability to actively looking for ways to help people, be compassionate and hopeful

• Ability to talk to others to effectively convey information

• Ability to listen to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate

• Ability to identify the nature of problems and propose solutions

• Ability to report for work as scheduled on a consistent basis

• Ability to understand and adhere to internal and external laws, rules, and policies

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders

• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, and societal trends and influence, cultures, their history, migrations, ethnicity, religion and other cultural dimensions of target recipients

• Knowledge of principles and processes involved in planning, coordination and execution and of the principles and process of supervision

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing services, including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and consumer satisfaction evaluation techniques.

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, regulations agency policies, etc., that govern the work of the program

• Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify a case management plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards

• Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

MSW plus a minimum of one year of experience providing direct services to individuals with mental disabilities (i.e., persons properly diagnosed as suffering from mental illness, alcoholism, or substance abuse), and at least one year of experience providing clinical supervision or consultation. NB: The existing ICL title of Sr. Clinical Coordinator (MICA Division) is considered at least equivalent to the Clinical Specialist position and the incumbent has been “grandfathered” into the title of Clinical Specialist.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Licensed Social Worker, experience in providing case management services to individuals with mental illness as defined above. Experience providing clinical consultation and supervision in a community mental health setting.