Community Support Specialist

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

· Provides ongoing assessment of consumers’ wants and clearly identified needs, and facilitates the development and updating of the service plan and assessment and diagnostic review every 180 days with no gaps between plans.

· Assist and supports consumers in crisis situations.

· Assist consumers in applying for all benefits and entitlements, such as SSI, Medicaid, Section 8, energy assistance, and other eligible services.

· Assists consumers in locating and utilizing community resources, such as AA, self-help groups and recreational centers.

· Locate safe, sanitary and affordable housing for consumers that is appropriate for the level of care needed and provide support during transition from different types of housing.

· Accompany consumers to critical services when necessary, especially medication appointments and Center psychiatric appointments.

· Teach consumers to utilize public transportation and to apply for any reduced fares.

· Assist consumers in symptom self-management, monitor consumers’ compliance with medication, and any response, side effects, or medication problems.

· Assist consumers in accessing health-related services as needed.

· Provide education, support and consultation to consumers’ families and support system as appropriate.

∙ Documents all services provided by billing and writing progress notes no later than 11:59pm on the next business day following the date of service.

∙ Reviews and updates assessment and diagnostic review and service plans every 180 days with no gaps between plans.

∙ Reports and maintains all consumer related correspondence and activities as they occur.

∙ Complete crisis plans, DLA-20, Global Assessment of Individualized Needs (GAIN) assessment, and Reaching Recovery assessment with the consumer every 180 days.

· Provide external monitoring and support when consumers are engaged in services with other agencies.

· Participates in the on-call system that will respond to consumers after hours, during holidays, and on weekends.

· Provide advocacy and support for consumers as they navigate social, governmental and community systems.

· Participate in staff meetings, case conferences and training sessions as appropriate.

· Work collaboratively with all collateral agencies demonstrating positive interaction.

· From the beginning of the sixth week of employment, bills an average of 5.00 hours per day for each day worked; productivity is calculated and reported weekly. Productivity will be offset by any approved absences from work. A monthly bonus is available if certain standards are met.

· Maintain the confidentiality of consumers at all times and operates within the Code of Ethics of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.

· Develop familiarity with Joint Commission, Medicaid and Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) standards and compliance requirements, and assists as needed in maintaining JCAHO accreditation, Medicaid compliance and DBH.

· May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• One (1) to four (4) years of experience in a social services or nonprofit environment. Experience in a mental health or similar agency is highly desired.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, including evenings and weekends.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to coordinate with a multi-disciplinary team within an outpatient mental health agency.
• A superior communicator, who shares information readily and concisely, listens as well as gives advice, and respects the abilities of others.
• Knowledge of sound ethical practices and principles related to the care of mental health consumers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, to include operating Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Knowledge and ability to navigate an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), including data entry.
• Ability to relate to adults diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness, using knowledge of concepts, principles, and theories related to mental health and mental illness.
• Ability to perform amicably in an environment serving the seriously and persistently mentally ill adult population.
• Ability to respect and uphold client confidentiality.
• Ability to exhibit a high level of organizational skills and able to prioritize and multi-task without direct supervision.