Mental Health Specialist

Horizon House Careers•Swarthmore, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in the Social Sciences, Healthcare or a related field
1-2 years of direct care experience in the MH field
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

Nice To Haves

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), preferred, with ongoing coursework in drug and alcohol counseling to qualify for re-certification

Responsibilities

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
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