Job Description
Job Description
PRIMARY FUNCTION : Homeless Outreach Stabilization and Transition (HOST) is a multi-disciplinary team serving homeless adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders. HOST prioritizes services to those who are highly vulnerable, lack service connections or other support, and are unwilling or unable to engage in traditional service models. The HOST team works throughout Snohomish County and Skagit County to provide critical survival services and engagement with the ultimate goal of addressing acute mental and physical health needs, increasing stability, obtaining housing, and transitioning to long-term services.
The HOST CNA functions as part of the larger HOST team to provide integrated behavioral healthcare services with clients in need of psychiatric and other medical attention, medication coordination / management, client education, health assessment and related services. Services will be provided in clinic, on the streets, in shelters and other service centers as assigned. Interested individuals should possess a high degree of coordination and collaboration skills, interest in social justice, advocacy, and health integration. Work is done under the supervision of the Clinic RN supervisor and Outpatient Nurse Manager.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES :
This position is involved in all aspects of referral, outreach and engagement, intensive case management services, as well as coordination with other providers to ensure successful transition of consumers to on-going care. Services will be provided in Everett and Snohomish County areas. Many services will be provided on the streets, in shelters, in jail, and in other service centers as assigned. Some evening hours as needed. This position requires a high degree of coordination and collaboration with other ERC programs as well as outside agencies.. Specific roles and tasks included, but are not limited to :
Case Management & Social Support :
- Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team providing some components of on-going case management services to homeless and formerly homeless adults.
- Assess clients for range of health care needs and facilitate linkage and on-going connection to relevant urgent, primary and specialty health services.
- Advocate for clients’ access to community resources and services, especially primary health care services, ensuring that clients’ needs are met, and rights maintained; consult and collaborate with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Provide outreach and engagement on the streets, shelters, encampments, and other community areas.
- Participate in the planning, organizing and facilitation of group psycho-educational treatment services for consumers served by the mental health program.
- Coordinate services closely with mental health program supervisors, case management staff, Substance Use Disorder treatment staff and other ERC staff.
- Provide outreach to clients at various community sites providing homelessness services.
Medication, Medical Services, and Clinical Skills :
Under the guidance and direction of the Supervisor, coordinate medical aspects of medication services for clients.Provide individualized medication management services and education as needed, and ongoing assessment of mental status and the impacts of current treatment.Provide specialized training and consultation to other staff members on medical issues relating to clients and their care.Perform initial history and physical of client; documenting any client identified concerns, vital signs, and mental health status exams / AIMs assessments.Reconcile medication and medical record with hospitals, other outpatient mental health clinics, and primary care facilities, including collecting appropriate Release of Information requests (ROIs). Ensure that client spaces and clinical spaces are clean, stocked, and appropriate medical equipment is in working order.Perform client assessments on a walk in and as needed basis utilizing pre-established guidelines and guidance of nursing supervisor.Administer oral medication, injections (both anti-psychotic injections and insulin), and wound care within scope of practice and plan of care.Coordinate communication between care team, outpatient case management, outpatient nursing care team, and providers regarding client medical needs and condition.Complete assessment and plan of care documentation as appropriate.Other duties & responsibilities :
Participate in psychiatric consultation, supervision, program meetings and in‑service trainings; participate in clinical reviews and case conferences for clients on caseload.Comply with the agency's clinical accountability policies and procedures; maintain timely and complete clinical records; participate in quality assurance reviews when assigned.Comply with applicable program research and evaluation procedures.Other duties as assigned.ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
Demonstrated commitment to the vision, values and mission of the HOST project working with low income, court-involved, and homeless populationsAbility to advocate and effectively communicate and problem solve under pressure in high stress situations.Identify gaps and barriers in available community resources and advocate for systemic changes.Skills necessary to provide advocacy and support for participants within the criminal justice system including court appearances and written communication.Ability to prioritize workload and daily activities and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflict and de-escalate issues.Dependable, able to work under pressure; receptive to change, willingness to learn, cooperative approach to problem-solving.Ability to flex schedule when necessary to accommodate special program needs.Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of personal health information under 45 CFR and alcohol and drug information under 42 CFR Part 2, as well as comply with all state laws and regulations and company policy.Ability to use a keyboard and utilize electronic records and databases to efficiently enter necessary data and services documentation.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Certified Nursing Assistant, licensed in the State of Washington.Interest or experience in working with homeless, mentally ill and / or substance abusing population desired.Knowledge of psychiatric medications, side effects and methods of administration.Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health programs.Prefer Associate’s Degree in Nursing.Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and / or bizarre behavior.Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from diverse backgrounds.Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with adults who are experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, have a mental illness and / or co-occurring substance use disorders.Knowledge of de-escalation skills, crisis intervention & stabilization, and harm reduction strategies, preferred.Current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.Bi-cultural background / experience.Bi-lingual in Spanish / English or other languages preferred.Strong knowledge of relevant community resources and methods for accessing them.Hourly non-exempt, working (.30 FTE) 12-15 hours per week with a combination of scheduled shift work, office hours and some rotating on-call hours. Work stations and offices will be located at Evergreen Recovery Centers on Airport Road at Everett / Lynnwood city boundaries.
