Mental Health Specialist

National Youth Advocate Program • Homewood, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist works in alignment with the program supervisor to meet DHS expectations and NYAP values in delivering services to people served by the Front Door Diversion Program. The role provides timely mental health evaluations and assessments to help determine the appropriate service setting. The specialist serves as the primary mental health professional contact for referral sources at assigned hospitals and community venues, with travel to hospitals across Chicago and the South Suburbs. The position is based in Homewood, Illinois. The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; hours may be flexible, but scheduled workdays are fixed. Compensation is $50,000–$55,000 annually for candidates with a master’s degree and up to $57,000 annually for licensed candidates.

The specialist screens referrals, assesses and diagnoses potential clients, uses standardized assessment tools, and connects clients with follow-up services. The role also includes providing individual therapy and maintaining timely clinical, screening, and performance documentation. The specialist collaborates with hospital staff, social workers, screeners, care-team members, clients, and subsequent service providers while maintaining confidentiality and a professional, culturally sensitive approach.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed professional qualification pathways: 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 services experience; licensed professional counselor with at least a master’s degree and specialized mental health training or at least two years of adult mental health services experience; registered nurse with at least one year of clinical mental health experience or a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing; licensed occupational therapist with at least one year of clinical mental health experience; or a person with at least a master’s degree in a listed or related 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.
• 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 diagnosis and ability to recognize signs and 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 others’ ideas and actions.
• Ability to work respectfully and sensitively with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Maintain automobile liability insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Represent and support 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, assess severity, and determine the type of services needed.
• Build name recognition and working relationships with Maximus screeners and hospital social workers and staff.
• Work as a member of the care team to meet customer needs and support program goals.
• Use clinical skills to screen individuals for program eligibility and appropriateness.
• Develop comprehensive front-end assessments and complete clinical assessments of potential clients.
• Use standardized assessment and screening tools effectively.
• Diagnose mental illness using knowledge of DSM VI and recognize psychiatric and substance-related symptoms and diagnoses.
• 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 medical conditions.
• Act as a link between hospitals, clients, and subsequent service-providing agency workers.
• 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 as assigned by the program supervisor.
• Follow a team concept and support agency goals and coworkers.
• Travel to assigned hospitals across Chicago and the South Suburbs.

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 up to $1,200 per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and their families.
• 22 days off each year and 11 paid holidays per year.
• 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