Mental Health Support Specialist

Successful Living Supportive Housing Program • Iowa City, IA

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS) works with adult clients 18 years and older who live with chronic mental illness, supporting and empowering clients to live more independently. The MHSS works in 1 of 3 departments: Housing, Outreach, or Day Habilitation. Each department provides a unique service, and the MHSS will have additional duties assigned depending on what department they are assigned to work in. This is an hourly position with no expected overtime. Scheduled hours may vary and can include some nights and weekends. This job search is intended to fill 1 full-time and 4 part-time openings in our Housing Department. We are seeking applicants that can work evenings and weekend shifts. Shifts in Housing are scheduled in 4-hour blocks from 7am - 11pm daily. The evening shifts are considered to be 3pm-11pm, and weekends are Friday-Sunday. We offer a shift differential of an additional dollar per hour from 5pm Friday - 11pm Sunday.

DEPARTMENTS:
HOUSING The MHSS supports 4-5 clients living in an agency-owned home. The service is intended to promote independent living skills so clients may secure their own independent housing.
OUTREACH The MHSS supports clients 1 on 1 in their home or community. The service is intended to further promote independent livings skills so clients living independently can maintain their housing.
DAY HABIILITATION The MHSS supports multiple clients in a group setting. The service is intended to promote social skills through activities and community outings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ years of human service experience
• Pass multiple background checks, including but not limited to dependent adult/child abuse and criminal background check and driving records check
• Maintain valid driver’s license and reliable, privately insured car, as well as insurability with agency insurance requirements
• Must be available to work a minimum of 4 hours at a time and 12 hours a week

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service field (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology)

Responsibilities

• Facilitate progress toward client goals
• Provide coaching and counseling
• Identify triggers and develop symptom management strategies and coping skills
• Develop natural supports and encourage community integration
• Mitigate barriers and work toward independence
• Enhance quality of life
• Encourage activities of daily living
• Support organizing and adherence to schedules and routines
• Monitor physical health and encourage healthy practices
• Advocate for and assist clients in accessing community resources
• Transport clients according to program expectations or as included in their service plan
• Administer medications in compliance with the Medication Management Program (Housing and Outreach)
• Contact clients as needed in cases of agency closures, unexpected absences, and/or as assigned
• Timely completion case notes, assessments, and social histories
• Timely submission of collateral notes, quarterly updates, and Incident Reports
• Participate in ISP and Addendum meetings as needed
• Attend all staff meetings as required
• Participate in additional training as assigned
• Collaborate with other staff and programs as needed
• Communicate in a timely manner with team of care providers
• Follow through with a consistent schedule and adherence to deadlines
• Achieve expected billable weekly client contact hours
• Complete all paperwork as assigned by supervisor
• Meet with supervisor weekly
• Establish and maintain a consistent schedule with clients and negotiate needed adjustments
• Treat all clients and colleagues with dignity and respect
• Prompt, professional, and responsive communication with clients, fellow staff, supervisor, collateral agencies – in-person, telephonic, electronic, written missive
• Follow all agency policies and procedures
• Maintain an Outlook calendar, reflecting all appointments and availability
• Dress, personal appearance, and manner of behavior must reflect a professional image
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines

Benefits

• $200 Sign-on Bonus (paid after successful completion of probationary period)
• $500-$750 Referral Bonus (paid after successful completion of referred staff’s probation period)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• PTO Vacation, Sick Time, Personal Day
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• IRA
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Staff Development & Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED