What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wellness and Engagement Specialist position at Opportunity Council?
DETAILED SUMMARY:
Waystation Recuperative Respite Program (Waystation) is a respite emergency shelter for patients discharged directly from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) that are experiencing literal homelessness and need recuperative respite placement prior to returning to their current living arrangements. Waystation provides services to individuals with an emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.
The Wellness Engagement Specialist Provides education regarding community services, supports client-identified and lead goal setting, and prevention services to respite clients and building operations including associated documentation. Responsible for daily crisis management, client relationship management, and effective and safe daily building operations. Works closely with clients, program staff and partner community providers to support clients as they recuperate and assist with connecting them to additional community services and housing resources.
ESSENTIAL, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Interacts with clients in respite program, maintaining a positive and supportive environment.
2. Attends to the milieu to ensure a restful and cooperative environment.
3. Stays in regular communication with staff members of PSJMC to coordinate/discuss discharges to Waystation. This can include, but is not limited to pre-admission
paperwork/needs/pre-set appointments for the client, etc. Works with Discharge Planners and other relevant staff at PSJMC to arrange for clients to go back to the hospital
as warranted.
4. Prepares rooms for visiting partner-providers to meet with clients of Waystation Medical Respite and sanitizes them after each appointment/use.
5. Promotes and supports client needs regarding nutritional expectations, as set forth by PSJMC Medical Provider and Discharge Staff.
6. Operates all functions in facility, including performing intakes/discharges, supports kitchen staff when applicable, checking in visiting providers, answering telephones,
and monitoring security systems.
7. Regularly reviews Needs Assessment (originally completed by PSJMC staff prior to discharge from PSJMC) and collaborates with client to agree upon activities
during their course of stay that incorporates their medical care plan goals (set up at time of discharge from PSJMC).
8. Assists in the initiation, facilitation, and promotion of on-site activities, as applicable. This can include but is not limited to promoting client hygiene, prompting
clients to care for any assigned medical equipment as determined by client’s medical team, creating healthy habits that align with medical recommendations,
low-impact exercise (I.e. taking small walks) as determined by client’s medical team, verbal medication prompting, and ensuring access to basic need
supplies/information to promote success upon discharge from Waystation.
9. Maintains safety and security by monitoring all general access areas, enforcing program guidelines, and client contracts both inside medical respite and
at the designated smoking area for clients.
10. Assists clients with medication prompting program, according to Waystation Policy and Procedure, and records all interactions and transactions according to
guidelines while maximizing privacy. This may include reporting information into several systems to maintain accurate tracking.
11. Intervenes in crises, responds to emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contact with emergency response systems. Accurately reports
incidents to Waystation Coordinator in a timely manner.
12. Works cooperatively with case managers and other program and partner staff and assists in the coordination of services to clients. Regularly follows up
with partners to ensure continuum of care needs are met, and that client is actively engaged in all services offered.
13. Processes and maintains required paperwork and documentation, including daily client activity logs. Maintains HIPAA compliant records, safeguarding
clients’ information and working with community providers appropriately.
14. Assists with other facility functions as assigned, which can include but is not limited to providing extra support to clients and fellow staff.
15. Assists with turnovers in stay including routine cleaning and sterilization of client carousels and other common areas used by clients.
16. Supports and advocates for clients to maintain proper hygiene, apply for and accept housing referrals, specialized counseling, employment,
medical and mental health services, specialized transportation, and other needed services that promote wellness at Waystation and post client
discharge from the Waystation Facility.
17. Provides quality engagements to build rapport and thoroughly discuss clients’ current and future needs related to housing, budgeting, health goals,
case management, and other needs required to successfully discharge from the Waystation Medical Respite.
18. Completes intakes and/or check ins to the Coordinated Entry System and provides resource referrals as necessary.
BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY:
Specialize in providing services to clients and families who speak a language other than English as a primary language. May occasionally be asked to support with translating/interpreting a language other than English to assist potential or current clients.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
2. Completes special projects and other related duties as assigned.
3. Continuously abides by all safety policies and procedures at Waystation.
4. Remains current with all available resources in Whatcom County.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Minimum two-years experience in Human Services, Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Family Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Medical Assistant Duties,
or Homeless Shelter settings.
2. Preferably experience with the challenges related to homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency preferred.
3. Prior experience with comprehending and following hospital discharge orders/client needs preferred.
4. Preferred Spanish/English bi-lingual skills.
5. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
6. Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire and good driving abstract (submitted upon request) with ability to maintain insurability
through Opportunity Council’s insurance provider during length of employment.
7. Have (or obtain at time of hire) and maintain current Washington Food Handler’s Permit during length of employment.
8. Current First Aid card and CPR training (or obtain within 30 days) and must maintain current certificates for length of employment.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Decision-making skills and ability to creatively problem solve using sound judgment.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively and respectfully provide confidential services to diverse, low-income populations, including individuals and
families in crisis situations.
3. Remains calm and respectful during client emergencies and crises, and possesses strong communication skills.
4. Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions.
5. Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date and accurate notes, and proper maintenance of client files, including the
use of multiple databases.
6. Experience coordinating with other professionals and social service agencies with proper Releases of Information (ROI) in place.
7. Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, frequent squatting, kneeling, bending, reaching, repetitive movements, writing/typing, and ability to lift/move >40 lbs.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in a fast-paced medical respite environment with frequent interruptions and often crisis situations. Majority of the work centers in direct services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for clients from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. The medical respite facility is open 24/7 all year, with shifts scheduled on holidays.
Waystation Recuperative Respite Program (Waystation) is a respite emergency shelter for patients discharged directly from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) that are experiencing literal homelessness and need recuperative respite placement prior to returning to their current living arrangements. Waystation provides services to individuals with an emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.
The Wellness Engagement Specialist Provides education regarding community services, supports client-identified and lead goal setting, and prevention services to respite clients and building operations including associated documentation. Responsible for daily crisis management, client relationship management, and effective and safe daily building operations. Works closely with clients, program staff and partner community providers to support clients as they recuperate and assist with connecting them to additional community services and housing resources.
ESSENTIAL, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Interacts with clients in respite program, maintaining a positive and supportive environment.
2. Attends to the milieu to ensure a restful and cooperative environment.
3. Stays in regular communication with staff members of PSJMC to coordinate/discuss discharges to Waystation. This can include, but is not limited to pre-admission
paperwork/needs/pre-set appointments for the client, etc. Works with Discharge Planners and other relevant staff at PSJMC to arrange for clients to go back to the hospital
as warranted.
4. Prepares rooms for visiting partner-providers to meet with clients of Waystation Medical Respite and sanitizes them after each appointment/use.
5. Promotes and supports client needs regarding nutritional expectations, as set forth by PSJMC Medical Provider and Discharge Staff.
6. Operates all functions in facility, including performing intakes/discharges, supports kitchen staff when applicable, checking in visiting providers, answering telephones,
and monitoring security systems.
7. Regularly reviews Needs Assessment (originally completed by PSJMC staff prior to discharge from PSJMC) and collaborates with client to agree upon activities
during their course of stay that incorporates their medical care plan goals (set up at time of discharge from PSJMC).
8. Assists in the initiation, facilitation, and promotion of on-site activities, as applicable. This can include but is not limited to promoting client hygiene, prompting
clients to care for any assigned medical equipment as determined by client’s medical team, creating healthy habits that align with medical recommendations,
low-impact exercise (I.e. taking small walks) as determined by client’s medical team, verbal medication prompting, and ensuring access to basic need
supplies/information to promote success upon discharge from Waystation.
9. Maintains safety and security by monitoring all general access areas, enforcing program guidelines, and client contracts both inside medical respite and
at the designated smoking area for clients.
10. Assists clients with medication prompting program, according to Waystation Policy and Procedure, and records all interactions and transactions according to
guidelines while maximizing privacy. This may include reporting information into several systems to maintain accurate tracking.
11. Intervenes in crises, responds to emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contact with emergency response systems. Accurately reports
incidents to Waystation Coordinator in a timely manner.
12. Works cooperatively with case managers and other program and partner staff and assists in the coordination of services to clients. Regularly follows up
with partners to ensure continuum of care needs are met, and that client is actively engaged in all services offered.
13. Processes and maintains required paperwork and documentation, including daily client activity logs. Maintains HIPAA compliant records, safeguarding
clients’ information and working with community providers appropriately.
14. Assists with other facility functions as assigned, which can include but is not limited to providing extra support to clients and fellow staff.
15. Assists with turnovers in stay including routine cleaning and sterilization of client carousels and other common areas used by clients.
16. Supports and advocates for clients to maintain proper hygiene, apply for and accept housing referrals, specialized counseling, employment,
medical and mental health services, specialized transportation, and other needed services that promote wellness at Waystation and post client
discharge from the Waystation Facility.
17. Provides quality engagements to build rapport and thoroughly discuss clients’ current and future needs related to housing, budgeting, health goals,
case management, and other needs required to successfully discharge from the Waystation Medical Respite.
18. Completes intakes and/or check ins to the Coordinated Entry System and provides resource referrals as necessary.
BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY:
Specialize in providing services to clients and families who speak a language other than English as a primary language. May occasionally be asked to support with translating/interpreting a language other than English to assist potential or current clients.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
2. Completes special projects and other related duties as assigned.
3. Continuously abides by all safety policies and procedures at Waystation.
4. Remains current with all available resources in Whatcom County.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Minimum two-years experience in Human Services, Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Family Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Medical Assistant Duties,
or Homeless Shelter settings.
2. Preferably experience with the challenges related to homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency preferred.
3. Prior experience with comprehending and following hospital discharge orders/client needs preferred.
4. Preferred Spanish/English bi-lingual skills.
5. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
6. Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire and good driving abstract (submitted upon request) with ability to maintain insurability
through Opportunity Council’s insurance provider during length of employment.
7. Have (or obtain at time of hire) and maintain current Washington Food Handler’s Permit during length of employment.
8. Current First Aid card and CPR training (or obtain within 30 days) and must maintain current certificates for length of employment.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Decision-making skills and ability to creatively problem solve using sound judgment.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively and respectfully provide confidential services to diverse, low-income populations, including individuals and
families in crisis situations.
3. Remains calm and respectful during client emergencies and crises, and possesses strong communication skills.
4. Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions.
5. Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date and accurate notes, and proper maintenance of client files, including the
use of multiple databases.
6. Experience coordinating with other professionals and social service agencies with proper Releases of Information (ROI) in place.
7. Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, frequent squatting, kneeling, bending, reaching, repetitive movements, writing/typing, and ability to lift/move >40 lbs.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in a fast-paced medical respite environment with frequent interruptions and often crisis situations. Majority of the work centers in direct services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for clients from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. The medical respite facility is open 24/7 all year, with shifts scheduled on holidays.
Benefits@Opportunity Council
Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services
Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. For over 50 years we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization). For more details, please visit our website at https://www.oppco.org.
