Behavioral Health Advocate

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania•Pittsburgh, PA

2d•$52,624 - $54,729

About The Position

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 12-month retention period. A masters degree and relevant licensure must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case management.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.