Benefit to Work Coach

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority•Saginaw, MI

35d•$23 - $27

About The Position

Under general supervision of Mental Health Supervisor (Supported Employment), provides assistance in navigation of the complicated system of benefits as adult consumers with mental illness seek employment. Is required to work with consumers 20 hours a week assisting consumers. Functions as part of the mental health treatment team with shared decision making. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery-based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid consumer in the recovery process. This position is funded under a two-year (2 year) MDHHS grant, Benefits to Work Coach.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services preferred, with relevant experience or Associate Degree and two years’ experience in supported employment or benefits management.
Must be able to participate in Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA) training
Two years’ experience providing vocational services required.
Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.
Benefit to Work Certification must be completed within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge of mental health services.
Knowledge and commitment to the Recovery Model. Demonstrated knowledge of employment services.
Analytical ability, ability to handle difficult, emotional individuals, and excellent communication skills.
Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.
Visual Acuity to observe consumers behavior, read and proofread documents and use EHR and other electronic devices.
Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)
Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.
Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, consumers and the general public.
Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.
Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.
Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or consumers.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with persons with mental illness preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides individual, in-depth counseling in the community about benefits planning so that the consumer has information about how work will impact their ability to maintain benefits.
Includes allies and other treatment team members as desired by the individual in the interview.
Maintains complete, legible, and timely documentation on all consumer and collateral contacts.
Applies principles and practices related to area of specialty.
Works in cooperation with federal, state and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve SSI and SSDI beneficiaries with disabilities.
Promotes employment as critical to recovery and is knowledgeable of evidence-based practices in supported employment.
Provides results of assessment to individual. Is available to explain results of assessment with individual and identified allies.
Conducts interview process in manner that is supportive, and actively engages the individual and allies, ensuring a positive experience for the individual.
Travels to multiple, varied locations to meet individuals and allies in order to conduct benefits counseling.
This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support 1) culturally competent, recovery-based practices, 2) person centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his or her own life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals and 3) a trauma informed culture to aid individuals in their recovery process.
Will provide information to consumers, case managers and family as it pertains to benefits and employment.
Will at the consumers request actively participate in person centered planning meetings and have frequent contact with members of the team.
Adheres to the mission, vision, core values and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.
Performs various administrative/clerical functions such as preparing travel vouchers, making copies of documents, filing, etc.
Attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to the specific job requirements and public mental health mission.
May occasionally transport consumers to and from agencies and community resources in personal automobile.
Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.