Mental Health Supportive Housing Advocate

OCO•Fulton, NY

1d•$16 - $20

About The Position

Ranking among Oswego County's top ten largest private employers, OCO carries out its mission to inspire partnerships and provide services that empower people, support communities, and change lives through more than 50 programs serving 15,000 people each year. Completes casework activities for the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) funded Supportive Housing including the rental stipend and support services components of the program. Provides service coordination and support to severely mentally ill (SMI) program participants. Carries out all duties according to agency and program policies and procedures as well as any NYS OMH Supportive Housing Guidelines and NYS fair housing standards.

Requirements

Must have ability to relate to special populations and individuals/families with multiple life difficulties.
Must have ability to relate in a warm, non-judgemental manner, and be a good role model to consumers.
Must demonstrate knowledge of community services and resources, awareness of location, purpose and how to access, refer and link consumers with services.
Must be organized, resourceful, flexible and able to utilize good judgment in all situations.
Must demonstrate knowledge of OMH Supportive Housing Guidelines, Fair Housing practices and OCO Procedures and Policies
Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of consumers and program.
Must be able to establish/maintain/exhibit professionalism with consumers, landlords, employees/service providers.
Must be creative in program planning, demonstrate resourcefulness, initiative and objectivity
Must demonstrate good oral/written communication skills and follow complex oral/written directions.
Must have acceptable physical and mental health to carry out duties and responsibilities of the position: able to climb stairs, lift 25 lbs, able and willing to assist with moving consumers in and out.
Must possess a valid NYS Driver’s License with a good driving record within Agency policy and have access to a reliable, properly insured vehicle for travel and transport of clients.
Associate’s degree in a Behavioral Sciences or Human Services Field, and One to three years related experience working with special populations, in a human services or housing program field, or Any acceptable combination of education, experience, training or lived experience.

Responsibilities

Maintains a caseload of 30-35 adults diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI).
Adheres to OMH Supportive Housing guidelines along with Oswego County DSS annual contract requirements.
Completes intakes under the guidance of the Supportive Housing Program Manager, conducts assessment of strengths, needs and goals and develops a viable housing plan with consumers.
Monitors outcomes and updates housing plans accordingly, periodically reassesses needs.
Provides on-site visits to apartments to verify monthly/annual income, provide services and support. Requires county wide travel.
Provides linkage and referral to necessary community services and resources including transportation.
Acts as a liaison between consumers and landlords, neighbors, city/town/county officials or service providers when a communication barrier is present.
Assists consumers with securing funding and maintaining funding.
Assists with education and direction to address prevention of future evictions or homeless situations.
Makes necessary recommendations to ensure adequate medical, dental and emotional health.
Maintains confidentiality of all consumers and site information.
Maintains on going and open communication with the Mental Health Supportive Housing Manager regarding changes in consumer income that may impact monthly rental stipend checks.
Ensures timely submission of vouchers and/or PO’s to Mental Health Supportive Housing Manager for submission to Accounting.
Completes accurate documentation, timely paperwork and record filing.
Works cooperatively with other agency and community providers.
Manages referrals via spreadsheet for the program.
Maintains communication of routine and unusual situations with the Mental Health Supportive Housing Manager.
Actively participates in staff appraisals.
Participates in site specific program orientation; annual required trainings, and seeks out additional trainings as needed in relevant areas to facilitate professional growth.
Ensures prompt and accurate data input into multiple databases including OMH database applications CAIRS & MHPD. Initial Contact and Intake data into agency database, CAPTAIN, and program housing/service planning into Precision Care.