Behavioral Health Specialist I

Behavioral Health Specialist I

General Purpose: Under the administrative supervision of the Program Director or designee, this at-will direct service position is responsible for providing psychosocial, rehabilitation and recovery-oriented services for Turning Point members. This position also involves advocating for members in all areas of treatment and helping them apply for and receive services. Additional support in the areas of medication management, resource connection (e.g., housing resources, AOD, PCP, OP, etc.), counseling and advocacy will be provided as needed. Involves providing after hours, "on-call" coverage on a rotational basis based on program needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – (Illustrative Only): The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. In the absence of the Program Director or designee, provides leadership and direction for clients as assigned. Advocates for clients in all areas of treatment and helps them apply for and receive services; empowers clients in meeting their goals. Advocates for and assists clients and their families in accessing and receiving mental health treatment, medical care, housing, food, and clothing as indicated. Supports individual service plans for each client. Maintains all client records and completes required documentation and data entry according to program standards including progress notes, activity reports, and logs, etc. Meets regularly with clients at Turning Point sites or in the field, at job sites, homes, board and care facilities, skilled nursing facilities and other appropriate sites. Consults with or meets regularly with the client's family, care provider or other significant persons with client's consent. Coaches clients in developing age-appropriate social skills, money management, personal hygiene, and job readiness. Assists in establishing client's eligibility for Medi-Cal or other benefits and advocates for continuation of benefits when appropriate. Develops financial management plans for clients who receive Representative Payee Services and authorizes appropriate expenditures. Interacts productively within the team in order to provide holistic case management services to an identified group of clients. Provides "on-the-spot" counseling that is both helpful to the clients and consistent with the philosophy of the program. Drives on program business using personal vehicle for the purposes of medication outreach, home visits, transporting clients to appointments/activities, community/county meetings/trainings, MH court. Attends to the safety, health, and wellbeing of clients. Completes paperwork as assigned in a timely manner.

Qualifications: Minimum: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is through graduation from high school or an accredited GED program and four (4) years of varied experience as a provider of direct mental health services. Relevant higher education may be substituted for up to two (2) years of experience. Optimum: Graduation from a four (4) year university or college with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field and four (4) years varied experience as a provider of direct mental health services or meeting other Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist qualifications.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: California driver's license & current vehicle insurance/registration. Reliable means of transportation capable of passing vehicle safety inspection if more than five years old, excluding all modes of two-wheeled transport, inclusive of bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.