Behavioral Health Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia is a nonprofit organization that funds job training, education, and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We offer life-changing work on a mission-minded team. We are 1,000 working as one and each of us is essential to helping our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies”.

We offer a wide range of career opportunities ranging from entry-level to management in retail, human services, and administrative fields. Learn more about working at Goodwill. You can help. We can show you how.

This position is best suited towards individuals who are interested in providing a diverse array of social services, especially resource and case management. Theraputic services will be on a short term basis dependent on participant need and will be supplemental to connecting participants with long term theraputic services.

The ideal candidate has (or will have within 6 months of hire) professional licenses such as LSW, LAPC, OT etc. 

DIVISION OVERIVIEW:

Goodwill SWPA’s Human Services division is responsible for making Goodwill’s overarching vision a reality: enhancing people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening communities and helping those with barriers to employment reach their full potential through workforce education and support. The Human Services division fulfills this mission providing high quality, outcome-oriented services for program participants by utilizing a comprehensive service delivery model covering a broad array of social programs.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

Within the Human Services Division is the Adult Workforce Programming department, which focuses on employment-related education and workforce development services for individuals aged 18+ who experience significant barriers to employment. Examples of programs handled by the Adult Workforce Programming department include Work Ready and EARN through SNAP and TANF.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Work Ready and SNAP EARN programs are administered by the state of Pennsylvania. They operate at a local level, through Partner4Work, and provide workforce development services to eligible participants who experience significant barriers to obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Participant eligibility focuses on low-income individuals who are enrolled in TANF and SNAP programs. Programs provide comprehensive job readiness, placement, training, and case management services, Services also aim to mitigate social barriers to employment. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Adult Workforce Programming department will be providing behavioral health services and case management for participants in the Work Ready and SNAP EARN programs. 

The Behavioral Health Advocate will provide support and advocacy services regarding all aspects of a participant’s life, including addressing the needs of their family. Areas of focus will include social, physical, and behavioral health. The Behavioral Health Advocate will maintain some flexibility in hours, which may include occasional evenings or weekends. This position will provide participants with access to these services as needed throughout their program enrollment, including their job retention period. A masters degree and relevant licensure must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.

Status:  Regular, Full-time, Exempt.

Locations:  Occasional local travel may be required. 

External Hiring Range: $50k - $53k.

Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, occasional evenings and weekends depending on program needs.

Travel:  Travel between base locations (Northside Common Ministries and Southside Opportunity Center) required.

Retention Bonus: One time payment of $2,000 after 6 months of employment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Included but not limited to:

Assessment:

• Assess Behavioral Health needs of participants and their families – using a comprehensive family assessment tool completed by participants at intake.
• Help participants stabilize urgent needs and find appropriate providers for long-term services.
• Consult with participants to gauge their goals, supports, and resources.
• Administer other assessments as needed based on programming recommendations.
• Reviews assessment information with participants and make appropriate recommendations, including referrals to outside clinical providers if needed.

Individual Therapeutic Services:

• Develop appropriate therapeutic goals with interested participants. Track progress and adjust goals as needed.
• Use strength-based approaches such as trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing, which empower participants and meet them where they are.
• Maintain current knowledge of therapeutic ethics and best practices.
• Respond to referrals within 24 hours.

Group Sessions:

• Conduct group sessions focused on needs of participants – which may include workshops and ongoing support groups.
• Conduct group enrichment sessions for staff - focused on self-care, therapeutic interventions, and other related topics.
• Recruit topic experts to participate in groups.
• Collect ongoing participant and staff feedback to inform development of content.
• Help coordinate multi-generational events for participants and families.

Case Management:

• Provide case management services to participants. Act as the primary Case Manager when caseloads indicate a need for this. Relevant case management will occur as needed with participants receiving therapeutic services.
• Communicate with other interdisciplinary team members regarding participant’s progress.
• Conduct regular meetings with participants at their service location to ensure quality service delivery and conduct progress reviews of goals in accordance with program/contract guidelines.

Policies and Standards:

• Be aware of and follow guidelines for all applicable regulatory entities such as PA Departments of Human Services, Labor, and Education.
• Communicate production/job specific expectations to the participant. Meet regularly with site management to ensure communication of business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• In progress Masters degree in Social Work or related counseling field that includes eventual professional licensure. Degree must be completed within 6 months of hire. Next step in licensure process after obtaining degree is expected. OR
• Masters degree in Social Work and LSW or LCSW. OR
• Masters degree in relevant field and LAPC or LPC.  OR
• Masters degree and license in OT. OR.
• Masters degree or above in any relevant field that leads to professional licensure for mental health counseling services.
  • Degree pending within 6 months of hire, degree completed and licensure pending within 6 months of hire, or licensure already obtained are all acceptable.

Preferred:

• Experience in case management.

REQUIRED CLEARANCES, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Qualified candidates must have a valid driver's license, active insurance policy, and reliable transportation for local travel.
• Candidates are expected to complete background checks assigned by Goodwill SWPA, including a National Criminal Background check, prior to their first day of employment.
• Candidates are expected to provide current, valid clearances (Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprints Clearance, and PATCH) prior to their first day of employment.