Assessment Specialist

Under direction of the Program Manager of Adult Mental Health and within federal, state and local guidelines performs routine case management work.  Work involves developing and maintaining short-term contact with clients, guardians or LAR to complete required paperwork for medical, social, educational, and related service needs.

This position is responsible for overseeing the timely completion of TRR (Texas Resilience and Recovery) assessments, PCRP (Person Centered Recovery Plans) and various other required documents across Adult Mental Health Case Management services. Works to ensure the continuity of care for individuals served. Hybrid work model in this job description is defined as predominately remote work with required bi-monthly community work (location determined based on Center need). During the first 45 days of employment, it is expected staff will work in the office to promote job knowledge and bridge working relationships. Upon successful completion of 45 days, and there are no PIPS or CAPS, the staff will be eligible for a hybrid work model and that continuation is subject to meeting requirements defined in the Essential Duties section. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Education, Training, and Experience

?  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human services field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

?  Previous Crisis experience preferred.

?  English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

?  Six (6) months prior experience in mental health field preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• The position requires adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Denton County MHMR Center. Other specific laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines which must be followed, including Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Case Management Guidelines.
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o  Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

?  Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

?  Skill in active listening, de-escalation techniques, empathy, and basic knowledge of social services systems. Skill documenting services provided, conducting assessments, and developing recovery plans. And skill in communicating with a variety of individuals from various backgrounds and experiences. 

?  Ability to assess clients' needs, coordinate individuals' services, communicate effectively, and to train others.

?  Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.

?  Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

?  Ability to work with clients of different cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, and belief systems.

?  Ability to work with clients who may display symptoms of mental illness including; poor hygiene, difficulty controlling anger and low frustration tolerance, difficulty or inability to display appropriate social behavior, and who are suicidal or homicidal.

?  Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.

?  Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1.  Attends and participates in all scheduled team meetings.

o  Staff will attend meetings as scheduled and sign in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.

o  If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.

2.  ?  Provides courteous, professional services at all times.

o  Maintains professional boundaries.

o  Interacts with Center staff, individuals, and community members in a professional manner.

3.  Administers clinical assessments and paperwork to determine appropriateness of level of care assignments necessary to meet individual's needs.

o  Required paperwork includes but not limited to: Adult Needs and Strength Assessment (ANSA), Recovery Plan, Substance Abuse Needs Inventory, MH Consent to Services, consent forms/ROI, Tobacco Cessation Form, and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) Form and Social Determinants of Health, and Advanced Directive completed prior to expiration and as needed based on individual change.

o  Expected to achieve 5 assessments per workday. Maintains a consistent standard completing at a minimum of 3 assessments a day including TRR, PCRP and other required paperwork.

o  To maintain a hybrid work model, this standard must be met monthly. If this standard is not met for 2 consecutive months, a return to in-office work will be required, until 2 consecutive months of meeting this standard occurs.

4.  Is familiar with all applicable Texas Administrative Code (TAC), fidelity tools, and Texas Human Health Services (HHSC) contract information and Center policies and procedures.

o  All documentation is completed within two business days, to meet or exceed 95% monthly.

5.  Ensures individuals charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.

o  Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.

o  All paperwork will be signed in black ink/or electronically in the EHR with credentials and date.

o  All paperwork is completed within Center policies and procedures.

6.  Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary, according to HHSC and Center policies and procedures.

7.  Provides resources/referrals to meet individual needs and help them navigate different systems.

8.  Completes discharges according to policy requirements when attempts to update paperwork are made and client contact was unsuccessful.

9.  Completes other duties as assigned.

o  All assignments given are completed in a timely manner.

o  Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.

10.  Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o  Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o  Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o  Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.