Behavorial Health Coordinator

SUMMARY:
This role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape a new program and play a pivotal role in reducing the stigma surrounding help-seeking for mental health and substance use treatment among Veterans served by Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI) programs. The Behavioral Health Specialist at Volunteers of America-Michigan (VOAMI) is an at-will position that will report directly to the Vice President of Healthcare. This position will be responsible for providing Behavioral Health support facilitating access to behavioral health for Veterans in Social Service programs ensuring a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. Responsibilities include: intake and discharge facilitation, care coordination, connecting Veterans to VA benefits, community-based services, and other resources, advocacy, psychosocial education, and collaboration with interdisciplinary treatment teams. This position will also be responsible for managing documentation and data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database to enhance outcomes and services delivery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Behavioral Health Navigation, Care Coordination and Advocacy:

·         Act as a bridge between Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI), the Veterans Administration (VA), and community health providers to support Veterans with complex behavioral health needs 

·         Facilitate Case Consultations with multidisciplinary teams using a wraparound approach to coordinate and deliver Veteran-centered care

·         Oversee development of multidisciplinary VOAMI Veteran Service Plans

·         Coordinate referrals to appropriate VA or community-based mental health and/or substance use services, ensuring seamless access to care 

·         Advocate for Veterans by addressing concerns regarding treatment, medications, or care plans 

·         Serve as a mental health and substance use champion for VOAMI Veteran Social Services staff

·         Educate Veterans and their families about mental health and substance use resources, treatment options, and self-management strategies

Intake Facilitation:

·         Provide a warm welcome to Veterans entering the Grant Per Diem transitional housing program at Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI)

·         Manage all aspects of the intake process, including scheduling, conducting intake interviews, and completing required documentation 

·         Conduct non-clinical behavioral health assessments to identify mental health and substance use needs including Level of Care and determine readiness for services

·         Identify available VOAMI supports/programs and initiate referral with warm-handoffs for connection

·         Collect and review necessary client documentation (e.g., identification, health history, proof of income)

·         Orient Veterans clients to program rules, expectations, and services

·         Generate room assignment based on best fit for needs 

·         Enter individual’s data accurately into HMIS and ensure compliance with data entry standards 

Discharge Planning and Coordination:

·         Oversee discharge planning in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to develop Veteran-centered Discharge Plans including external referrals to mental health and substance use supports

·         Conduct discharge meetings ensuring that all exit assessments, paperwork, and documentation are completed

·         Update client records in HMIS to reflect discharge and final case outcomes 

·         Conduct post-discharge follow-up within 30-60 days 

RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS

·         Maintain compliance with all VOAMI policies and procedures

·         Ensure that all duties are carried out in a timely and orderly fashion

·         Attend workshops, trainings, conferences, etc. to further knowledge and expertise in Behavioral Health, Veterans services, HMIS, data management and/or general compliance

·         Other duties as assigned

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

·         In-depth understanding of community resources, behavioral health systems, and VA services

·         Proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including Veterans with unique challenges 

·         Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with Veterans, colleagues, and community partners 

·         Knowledge of behavioral health care models, including trauma-informed and patient-centered approaches 

·         Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making and program improvements 

·         Skilled in use of Microsoft Office Suite, email platforms, and electronic health records (EHR)

·         Experience with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)  

·         Strong organizational and time management skills to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively

·         Strong attention to detail in documentation and data entry, ensuring data quality and consistency in compliance with program requirements 

·         Ability to work independently and adapt to flexible schedules, including occasional evenings or weekends 

·         Ability to work collaboratively with case managers, clinicians, and other team members to ensure seamless service delivery 

·         Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·         Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred 

·         Minimum of two years of experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services or related field

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, stand walk, talk, see, hear, and drive.  The vision requirement includes close and distant vision.

Environmental Working Requirements:
Work is done in either an on-site or remote office environment with exposure to computer screens. Works closely with Managers and Directors within the Healthcare and Social Services Departments.  Interacts with a diverse public.  May be subjected to interruptions throughout the day.  May be subject to hostile and/or emotionally upset public. May be required to travel to remote sites to perform job duties. Travel requirements may be up to 50%.

Other Requirements:
Must maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and driving record that satisfies insurability requirements.

VOAMI is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.