Intake/Hospital Diversion Specialist Bilingual English/Spanish

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Intake/Hospital Diversion Specialist Bilingual Therapist English/Spanish

Pay Range: $67,325.99 - $83,929.64 annually

$6,000 Recruitment Bonus for Clinical Master level new hires!! ($2,000 paid at start, $2,000 paid after 3 months, and $2,000 paid after successful probation period.)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the Mental Health Supervisor III (Centralized Access and Intake Unit), provides access, intake and crisis response for adults and children with Mental Illness, Emotional Disturbance, Developmental Disability and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders. Provides urgent assessments and interventions with the goal of diverting hospitalization when appropriate. Completes intake assessments in order to determine if a consumer is eligible for services. Works with Care Management to facilitate consumer assignment to a treatment team that best meets the needs of the consumer. Will provide short term clinical interventions with a goal of stabilization either in the office and/or community. Works as a member of multi-departmental group with Preadmission Screening, Care Management and State Facility and Forensic Intensive Case Management units with shared performance goals related to access, customer satisfaction and risk management. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process. The individual in this position must be bilingual (English/Spanish) and experienced in providing brief short term individual therapy. The therapist in this position will be a resource to the general community providing bilingual therapy services as needed to both persons meeting SCCMHA entry criteria and the general public (through State grant dollars).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Functions as a bilingual therapist on a triage team providing urgent assessments and interventions with the goal of diverting hospitalizations when appropriate.

2. Provides brief focused therapy to individuals requiring a bilingual therapist.

3. Functions as a member of a triage team providing urgent assessment and interventions with the goal of diverting hospitalizations when appropriate.

4. Completes tracking of services as required to meet the requirements of the grant dollars provided for this position.

5. Assessments and interventions may be provided in the office or in the community as the situation warrants.

6. Completes a thorough assessment and interim service and support plan based on the consumers/families desired outcomes and needs. Provides an integrated assessment of co-occurring substance use disorders.

7. Supporting the concept of recovery by developing the initial transition plan upon admission to services.

8. Determines eligibility based on Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) eligibility criteria.

9. Makes recommendations to Care Management regarding which unit and team can best meet the needs of the consumer.

10. May provide the first service after intake to advise the consumer of the findings of the intake assessment and provide the initial orientation to SCCMHA services.

11. Responsible to assure that intakes occur within 14 days of the request and that the first service after intake is schedule within 14 days as well.

12. Assures that all required demographic information is accurate and compete prior to transferring the case.

13. May be required to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs/desires of consumers/families.

14. Completes the original CAFAS for children with serious emotional disturbances or LOCUS for adults with serious mental illness and other assessments as prescribed by agency policy.

15. Works within the unit and on the Sentri electronic scheduler to provide maximum flexibility for scheduling of intake appointments to meet consumer needs.

16. Works closely with the Inpatient Pre-admission Screening and Episode Management Unit referring consumers when an adequate hospital diversion plan cannot be developed.

17. Completes all necessary documentation in the electronic medical record within the time frames established in policy.

18. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Perform various administrative/clerical functions such as preparing travel vouchers, making copies of documents, filing, etc.

2. Attend meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to the public mental health mission.

3. May occasionally transport consumers to and from agencies and community resources in personal automobile or agency car.

4. React productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.

5. Ability to use computer hardware and software.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor (Centralized Access and Intake Unit)

Supervises: None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in office environment with pressures of dealing with time constraints. Utilizes computer for documentation, data collection, spreadsheets, etc. May drive automobile in all weather conditions. May counsel individuals who maybe become potentially violent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master’s degree in a mental health related field from an accredited school.

Experience: Has a thorough knowledge of mental health service options within and outside the community mental health system. Professional clinical experience working with adults and children with serious mental health disorders. Experience completing a thorough assessment including an assessment of risk to self and others. Experience developing plans based on a thorough assessment including safety plans when warranted. A minimum of two (2) year post degree experience in the human service field is expected. Previous experience providing brief solution focused therapy to both English speaking and Spanish speaking individuals.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

A limited licensed master’s social worker (LLMSW), licensed master’s social worker (LMSW), limited licensed professional counselor (LLPC), licensed professional counselor (LPC), limited licensed marriage and family therapist (LLMFT), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), limited licensed psychologist (LLP) and licensed psychologist (LP). Must have or obtain a certification in substance abuse treatment specialist area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the community mental health system and resources available within the Saginaw Community is required.

2. Demonstrated competency in providing therapy to both English speaking and Spanish speaking individuals.

3. Must have the demonstrated ability to present in a professional manner as well as the ability to work effectively with professionals from different organizations in the best interest of the consumer and the organization.

4. Must have ability to work well with individuals of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

5. Ability to embrace and practice the concepts associated with recovery.

6. Ability to engage with consumers and the public in a welcoming and engaging manner.

7. Understanding of the philosophy that all persons should receive services in the least restrictive setting.

8. Ability to develop plans utilizing a person/family centered process.

9. Ability to remain calm in urgent situations.

10. Ability to plan, organize, and complete work in a timely fashion.

11. Ability to be flexible and creative in plan development.

12. Ability to achieve CAFAS reliability

13. Computer skills which are adequate to perform all work in an electronic medical record and to communicate regularly through the use of e-mail.

14. Effective oral and written communication skills.

15. Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

16. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

17. Ability to accept and implement constructive supervision.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.

2. Visual Acuity to observe consumer behaviors read and proofread documents and use CRT.

3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.

4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)

5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.

7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.

8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.

9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)