Wellness Specialist

The Wellness Specialist supports projects and ongoing initiatives to assess community needs and develop plans. This position provides evidence-based best practices that build capacity and increase advocacy by promoting awareness of mental health and substance use. This position provides contact with individuals and supports them by promoting and increasing their connections and participation in services. In addition, this position creates and sustains systems that empower communities throughout the service area by utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Implement evidence-based practices that support the implementation of the Strategic Prevention Framework through practices, programs, strategies, and policies proven to achieve population-level change effectively and efficiently by targeting community health disparities according to the strategic plan, community logic models, data entry plans, and evaluation plans. Assist Wellness Managers to increase emotional connection and interconnectivity capacities to address the needs of individuals with mental health or substance use services. Provide support to individuals by utilizing the Caring Contacts Model and Person-Centered Guidelines. This strategy aims to implement a system-wide approach to improve outcomes and close existing service gaps. Assist with developing capacity within the community by recruiting, training, and fostering specialized facilitators for mental health and substance use programs, conducting evaluations to document program implementation, fidelity, and effectiveness, and making recommendations for modifications if appropriate. Mobilize and collaborate with youth, parents, community leaders, and other community agencies to create awareness and implement strategies. Collaborate with relevant federal, state, and local partners to develop referral resources and increase participation in behavioral health initiatives. Strengthen the integration of mental health and substance use services and other community systems to address social determinants of health. Strengthen and restore engagement and referral pathways for mental health and substance use services. Record/maintain information and notes in online database/electronic health records; comply with all policies/procedures, confidentiality standards, and other regulatory guidelines. OTHER DUTIES (If Applicable) Required to travel to other agency sites, etc. Completes clerical work as needed. Communicates problems to supervisors when necessary. Maintains confidentiality of callers and agency. Provides information and referrals for treatment services to individuals. Perform such other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Receive at least 20 hours of prevention-specific training each fiscal year for workforce development. Knowledge of consumer rights and confidentiality. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to function and contribute as a member of a team. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Public Health, or a related field is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mount Rogers Community Services Board