Mental Health Specialist

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM • Homewood, IL

6d • $50,000 - $57,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist works in alignment with the program supervisor to meet DHS service-delivery expectations and NYAP values for the Front Door Diversion Program. The role provides timely mental health evaluations and assessments to help determine the appropriate service venue for customers. The specialist serves as the primary mental health professional contact for referral sources at assigned hospitals and other community locations, including hospitals across Chicago and the South Suburbs. The position is based in Homewood, Illinois, requires travel of up to 50%, and is scheduled Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours may be flexible, but scheduled workdays are fixed.

The specialist screens referrals, assesses potential clients, uses standardized assessment tools, identifies mental health needs, and creates linkages and referrals for follow-up services. The role also provides individual therapy and works with hospitals, clients, care teams, and subsequent service providers. It includes maintaining timely clinical documentation, performance tracking, and data collection. Candidates must meet one of the listed professional education, licensure, or supervised-experience pathways and have crisis-setting mental health experience.

Requirements

• Meet at least one of the following qualification pathways: a licensed social worker with at least a master's degree in social work and specialized mental health training or at least two years of adult mental health experience; a licensed professional counselor with at least a master's degree and specialized mental health training or at least two years of adult mental health experience; a registered nurse with at least one year of clinical mental health experience or a master's degree in psychiatric nursing; a licensed occupational therapist with at least one year of clinical mental health experience; or an individual with at least a master's degree in a listed or related counseling, rehabilitation, social work, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, or family therapy field who has completed a practicum or internship with at least 1,000 hours of supervised direct service or has one year of clinical experience under QMHP supervision.
• At least two years of work experience in the mental health field in a crisis setting.
• Experience working with adults in a mental health setting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to relate therapeutically with customers and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and empathy.
• Knowledge of Medicaid rules and other funder expectations.
• Knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and ability to recognize symptoms of psychiatric illness and substance-related diagnoses.
• Valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, good driving record, and required automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.
• Ability to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function.
• Ability to organize data, plan, provide written and verbal feedback, and use electronic health systems.
• Tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others.
• Ability to work respectfully and sensitively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Follow a team concept and support agency goals and coworkers.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with DSM VI and psychological testing is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Actively support, represent, and extend the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Serve as the primary mental health professional contact for referral sources at assigned hospitals and other community venues.
• Deliver prompt, professional clinical services while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Screen referrals for mental health services and determine severity and needed services.
• Build name recognition and working relationships with Maximus screeners and hospital social workers.
• Work as a member of the care team to meet customer needs and support program goals.
• Apply clinical skills to screen individuals for the program, working from hospital or community referral locations.
• Build and foster relationships with hospital staff and connect effectively with clients.
• Develop comprehensive front-end assessments and complete clinical assessments of potential clients.
• Use standardized assessment and screening tools to evaluate client appropriateness for services.
• Diagnose mental illness using knowledge of DSM VI.
• Create linkages and referrals for follow-up services.
• Provide individual therapy, including for depression and anger management, and connect clients with medical providers for related conditions.
• Serve as a link between the hospital, client, and subsequent service-providing agency worker.
• Demonstrate technical and behavioral competencies in implementing standardized assessment tools.
• Complete screening documentation, performance tracking, data collection, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties assigned by the program supervisor.

Benefits

• Training and continuing education and development opportunities, including topics such as PCIT, NMT, TF-CBT, BFST, CSAYC, TBRI, and FFT.
• Student loan repayment assistance of up to $1,200 per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and family.
• 22 days off each year and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Competitive salaries and benefits, including a 401(k).
• Tuition assistance.
• Work anniversary trips.
• Peace leave.
• Parental leave.
• Mileage reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level