IPS Supported Employment Benefits Specialist - 3624

Indian Rivers Behavioral Health•Tuscaloosa, AL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The IPS Supported Employment Benefits Specialist will assess clients' financial resources to determine their need and eligibility for benefits. This role involves providing information about clients' total income based on employment, assisting clients in completing applications for benefits, and obtaining necessary documentation for agencies like the Social Security Administration. The specialist will also advocate on behalf of clients, utilize the SOAR system, and track the status of benefit applications. Additionally, they will educate clients on the impact of work on family benefits, link clients to appropriate resources within the agency and community, and collaborate with treatment teams. This position requires completing documentation accurately and timely, maintaining data in AVATAR, and ensuring client safety and rights. The role also involves providing consultation and education to the public about mental health and substance use services, potentially transporting clients in company or personal vehicles (with mileage reimbursement), conducting outreach, and arranging in-service training. The specialist must meet productivity requirements and represent the organization professionally, adhering to all policies and procedures, including those related to conduct, compliance, HIPAA, security, attendance, punctuality, safety, and health. They will also identify opportunities for service quality improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Current Alabama driver's license and good driving record as defined by Indian Rivers' policy.
Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
In-depth knowledge of financial resources and healthcare benefits available to our clients.
In-depth knowledge of community resources available to our clients.
Must demonstrate competent math skills.
Excellent ability to work within the agency to effectively serve the needs of our clients.
Excellent ability to work with other program staff in a cooperative, supportive manner.
Must be able to successfully meet State training requirements to ensure the delivery of comprehensive, effective, and efficient services to individuals within the agency's target populations.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks.
Must possess excellent ability to comprehend and maintain program standards.
Knowledgeable in cultural diversity.
Competent computer skills.
Must be knowledgeable of and abide by HIPAA regulations with regard to protected health information as defined by HIPAA and IRBH.
Minimally accesses verbal, written, and /or electronic PHI, usually incidentally to an approved use and /or disclosure as pertains to consumer's financial, demographic, and/or clinical data.
Works in general office environment and in outpatient facilities; may require long hours.
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.
Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, computer, copier, multi-line phone and fax machine.
Some risk involved in the event of aggressive/out-of-control client.
Must possess a valid Alabama driver's license.
Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical presence onsite is essential.

Nice To Haves

Effectively utilize the SOAR/Situational Obstacle Action Results System.

Responsibilities

Treat all clients with care, dignity, respect, and compassion.
Respect clients' privacy and confidentiality.
Ensure that all assigned duties are implemented according to the Department of Mental Health Standards.
Assess clients' financial resources to determine their need and eligibility for benefits.
Provide information about clients' total income based on part-time or full-time employment.
Assist clients in completing applications to secure benefits.
Assist clients in obtaining documentation required for applications to the Social Security Administration and other agencies.
Advocate on behalf of clients with the Social Security Administration office and other agencies.
Effectively utilize the SOAR/Situational Obstacle Action Results System.
Track the status of clients benefits applications.
Provide clients with information about the effect of work on a spouse's or dependent child's benefits.
If intervention is not within the departmental scope of services ensure that client is linked to the appropriate resource.
Ensure clients are referred to and linked with needed resources within the agency and community.
Effectively collaborate with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of case management services.
Complete documentation within established times per Indian Rivers' policy.
Ensure complete and accurate data is maintained in AVATAR, (diagnosis approval, admission flow, open episodes, enrollment).
Attend and actively participate in treatment team meetings as assigned.
Ensure safety of client, preserving basic human and legal rights.
Demonstrate appropriate and ethical behavior at all times.
Demonstrate a positive attitude toward work and the completion of work assignments.
Respond to phone calls/communication in a timely manner.
Provide consultation and education to the general public as needed.
Provide information about mental health services and substance use services to members of the general public, judges, physicians and referral agencies to ensure proper referrals for consumer services.
Transport client in a company vehicle, ensuring that company vehicle is operated in a safe manner and that appropriate staff are notified if there is an accident or if the vehicle is in need of service.
Ensure that agency vehicles have pre-trip inspections, monthly maintenance checks, and provide report documentation to supervisor and Facilities Manager.
If a company vehicle is not available utilize personal vehicle to accomplish work related duties. Indian Rivers will reimburse mileage.
Provides outreach community services (may require home visits) as required by supervisor or program standards.
Provide and/or arrange in-service training programs as needed.
Meet or exceed productivity requirements of billable hours per month established by the Department Manager.
Represent the Organization in an accurate and professional manner.
Follows IRBH Policy and Procedures.
Maintain communication and awareness of current Organization events by reading memos, emails, bulletin boards, and communication logs.
Work independently and/or with teams to complete assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner with minimum supervision.
Support Organizational Code of Conduct, Standards Compliance, HIPAA and Security Programs by ensuring job tasks are performed in a legal and ethical manner, assessing the work area for non-compliance and notifying the supervisor, manager, Executive Director or designee as appropriate, and maintaining training requirements and understanding that training is a required condition of employment.
Adhere to attendance and punctuality policy by allowing adequate time to arrive, clock-in and assume responsibilities at designated time, adhering to meal and break times and making timely requests for annual leave and reporting the need for sick leave in accordance with policy.
Comply with all standards related to safety and health by maintaining current TB Test, CPR/First Aid, CPI, and by reporting infections and on-the-job injuries in accordance with policy.
Identify opportunities for improving the quality of services provided by the department and the organization.
All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor or Executive Director.