Lead Mental Health Specialist (Hybrid)_

Description

NOTE:  this role is budgeted to start in the $27-29/hr. range, depending upon experience.

Homage Senior Services, formerly Senior Services of Snohomish County is the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit service provider for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families in Snohomish County. Our guiding principles of independence, dignity, and quality of life are realized through our interconnected core service areas: nutrition, transportation, home repair, and social services. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and offer you the opportunity to work to your fullest potential while making a difference in the community.

Summary:

The Mental Health Specialist provides information on mental health and chemical dependency services to older adults and the community. This position links older adults with community resources and assists them in obtaining services through facilitation and advocacy.

The Lead Mental Health Specialist provides orientation, guidance and support to new hires and existing staff on the mental health team. Additionally, this position will address the issue of depression in older adults by screening for depression; one-on-one counseling to reduce symptoms of depression; advocacy with medical providers; and assistance as needed in accessing available services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Information and Service Referral

• Conducts client intake interviews and screening assessments by phone or in person to determine client needs
• Provides detailed information to callers on resources specific to mental health and chemical dependency
• Facilitates referrals to appropriate services or programs
• Provides information to callers on resources specific to mental health and chemical dependency
• Responds to crisis calls in accordance with agency crisis and emergency response protocols
• Counsels family and community members or other appropriate persons on managing complex client situations and provides support and resource information
• Helps callers identify alternative or informal resources when community resources are not available or not appropriate
• Conducts in-depth, often complex interviews to determine if the situation indicates the need for more intensive follow up by phone; independently determines referral point(s) and makes additional community/ family contacts as needed
• Interacts with other service providers and referral sources to create effective access to services
• Assists with monthly statistical reporting

Geriatric Depression Screening, Assessment and Support

• Administer the Geriatric Depression Scale or other depression screening tool to non-institutionalized Snohomish County resident
• Screen, counsel, educate and advocate for the care of older adults
• Consult with mental health service providers and other health care professionals
• Provide additional client support services to clients with moderate to high depression to include short term mental health counseling and/or grief counseling in-person in senior centers throughout the county or in the office, via phone or via video
• Refer clients whose scores indicate mild to moderate depression to their physicians and other health care professionals for follow up diagnosis or treatment as needed

LEAD DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Assist with orientation and training for new hires in mental health
• Provide guidance and support to new hires in areas such as proper documentation, boundaries, and knowledge of community resources
• Promote department programs to providers both internally and within the community
• Provide education via presentations on mental health and wellness to community groups and organizations
• Assist as needed with Senior Peer Counseling volunteer training
• Assist Mental Health Programs Manager with tracking program outcomes
• Assist Mental Health Programs Manager with completion of mental health department reports
• Attend training seminars and conferences to stay current on issues of depression and other mental health concerns in older adults
• Maintain working knowledge of community resources available to address the problem situations that may contribute to depression in the older adult population

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or gerontology required
• Counseling experience required
• Experience working with older adults preferred
• Proficiency with MS Office and Windows and experience working with databases
• Must have a valid WA State Driver’s license, proof of insurance and your own vehicle
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, database management and e-mail
• Must have excellent customer service skills and be able to relate well with a diverse population
• Strong detail orientation, organizational and time management skills
• Ability to follow established processes and policies
• Ability to handle daily job responsibilities in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Able to work independently and maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations on a regular basis
• Must have a valid Washington State drivers License and proof of car insurance
• Ability to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Absent any regulatory or contractual requirement for specific education/certification, other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Work environment and physical demands:

• This work is performed in an office environment, community Senior Centers, and/or in client homes, which may have pets and strong odors such as cigarette smoke.
• When necessary, the ability to work in a semi-open office setting with frequent in-person interactions
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds occasionally related to equipment/supplies for public presentations
• Must be able to use full range of senses including hearing, sight, touch and smell as needed to complete the job's essential duties
• Work requires regular travel around Snohomish County during normal business hours. Mileage reimbursement is provided

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

Employees working 25 hours or more are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, vision, basic life, and critical illness insurance, with an increased cost share for employees scheduled for 25-29 hours/week. Employees working 20 hours or more per week receive 11 designated paid holidays plus 2 "floating holidays" per year, as well as paid vacation and sick time. Employees age 21 and older are able to enroll in our 401K plan upon hire and, after one year and at least 1000 hours worked, will be eligible for our matching program. 

This role is budgeted to start in the $27-29/hr. range, depending upon experience.

Salary : $24 - $38