Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health Specialist

Horizon House is a nationally recognized provider of services to adults with support needs due to developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues and substance abuse. With over 100 locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and the state of Delaware, Horizon House provides services to a diverse population focusing on individual strengths and choices.

We are seeking qualified candidates interested in joining our multidisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team at our Delaware County location.

This position is responsible for providing service coordination (case management) for assigned group of clients including coordinating and monitoring the activities of the individual treatment team; assume primary responsibility for developing, writing, implementing, evaluating and revising overall treatment goals and plans in collaboration with the client and the ITT; provide individual supportive therapy and symptom management; ensure immediate changes; are made in treatment plans as clients' need change, educate and support clients' families; and advocate for clients' rights and preferences.

• Conduct the comprehensive assessment of psychiatric history (e.g. onset, course an effect of illness, past treatment and responses, and risk behaviors), mental status, and diagnosis; physical health and dental health; use of drugs or alcohol; education and employment, social development and functioning; activities of daily living (e.g., care-care, living situation, nutrition, money management); and family structure and relationships.
• Provide on-call crisis intervention covering nighttime hours and serve as a back-up to evening and weekend staff. Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Provide direct clinical services including individual supportive therapy and psychotherapy to clients on an individual, group and family basis in the office and in community settings to teach behavioral symptom-management techniques to alleviate and manage symptoms not reduced with medication and to promote personal growth and development by assisting clients to adapt to and cope with internal and external stresses.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in the Social Sciences, Healthcare or a related field and 1-2 years of direct care experience in the MH field
• Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), preferred, with ongoing coursework in drug and alcohol counseling to qualify for re-certification.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment are essential.
• Knowledge of mental health systems and supports.
• Some knowledge of multiple support systems for substance abusers.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a focused team.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Scope:

• Frequent talking and listening.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, hold, kneel, reach, stack, stoop and bend, which may include direct intervention with residents.

Horizon House offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefit package including medical and dental, (9) nine paid holidays and generous paid time off, retirement savings plan, tax sheltered annuity, tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement.