Crosswinds is the first adult mental health respite to open in New Jersey. The program offers a safe, supportive environment for adults to stay on a short-term basis when experiencing or on the verge of a mental health crisis. Crosswinds offers peer support, case management, education, support groups, medication services, co-occurring substance abuse services, Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and follow-up support. It serves as a crisis alternative that aims to avoid the repetitive cycle of psychiatric hospitalization.

The Support Specialist provides mental health services to adults who have a chronic mental illness in a respite setting. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to any age-related needs of the consumers served. Provides direct supervision of the consumers residing in the residential setting. Provides crisis intervention as needed. Collaborates with community resources to link consumers to appropriate mental health and substance abuse providers. Provides social skills groups related to the consumer’s individual needs. Transports consumers in Agency vehicles. Understands medication procedures for the purpose of observing the administration of medications. Must understand the use of Electronic Health Record for chart documentation. Must be aware of all safety procedures along with review of MSDS manuals. Utilizes Safe Crisis Management (SCM), CPR, and First Aid techniques as needed. Must work a minimum of 2 shifts per month.

Hours:

This position is part-time, working 8 to 24 hours per month, including holidays. 

The Part Time positions have the following benefits:

• New Jersey earn sick leave 
• Time and a half for hours worked on agency holidays 
• Training opportunities provided throughout the year

Education/Experience:

BA/BS degree must be in mental health discipline or health/ human services or 1-year full time experience working with people diagnosed with serious mental illness. AA/AS with 2 years’ experience or high school diploma with 4 years’ experience. Employees must demonstrate the personal characteristics and experience to collaborate with and provide appropriate care to consumers, gain their respect, guide their development, and participate in their overall treatment program; the ability to support constructive consumer-family visitation and consumer involvement in community activities; the temperament to work with, and care for, adults with special needs, as appropriate; and the ability to work effectively with the treatment team and other internal and external stakeholders. Related work or life experience is defines as “activity in a supportive role with an individual providing assistance, advice, guidance, instruction or direction in completing activities of daily living or coping with ongoing stressful life circumstances."

Legacy Treatment Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.