Peer Certified Case Manager

Sound Community Services•New London, CT

36d

About The Position

Staff maintains a case load of community support level of care clients with severe persistent mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. Staff will hold a Peer certification from one the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services approved agencies- (CCAR, Advocacy Unlimited or Hartford Healthcare). He/she is capable of working independently in the community, providing services to the assigned case load. Annually, each of these clients will receive direct service hours, focusing on skills teaching, advocacy, and recovery support. These persons served (PS) can be recognized as stable psychiatrically, and need only minimal support to maintain recovery up to in need of considerable behavioral interventions in order to maintain community living and achieve recovery. These clients in general will be accessing many services, including but not limited to, psychiatric care, outpatient therapy and/or intensive inpatient services. These clients may also be actively involved with the criminal justice system and/ or the Department of Children and Families.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field, plus a minimum of two (2) years providing care management services to individuals with behavioral health needs.
Eligible or holds a current Peer Certificate from one of the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services approved agencies- (CCAR, Advocacy Unlimited or Heartford Healthcare).
Additional years of experience can be substituted for a degree at management’s discretion.
For peer employees, a High School Diploma or GED, with a required completion of the DMHAS Recovery University program and three (3) years providing care management services to individuals with behavioral health needs.
Current Motor Vehicle Drivers' license and automobile available for use during the workday required.
Competent use of technology including e-mail, agency intranet and the electronic client record.
Demonstrated ability to work with clients in the field teaching skills necessary for community living and supporting recovery.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
CPR/First Aid Certified or eligible.

Responsibilities

Maintain a valid Peer Certification from one of the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services approved agencies.
Communicate any training needs to adhere to training requirements associated with the certification.
Provides service delivery including contact hours and location of services dictated by DMHAS Fidelity Scale.
Documentation including functional assessments and updates, recovery plans, and encounter notes are completed thoroughly, in a timely manner, and in line with the DMHAS Fidelity Scale.
Demonstrates an understanding and appropriate use of Stages of Changes, Motivational Interviewing, Skills Based Interventions.
Demonstrates knowledge of mutual support groups available in the community.
Participates in Team Meetings as assigned, attends meetings prepared to discuss relevant client issues and treatment plan goals.
Works collaboratively with the Client Accounts Administrator to support Persons Served for whom SCSI is Representative Payee.
Identifies need for reduced level of care ensuring that transition to Recovery Pathways is completed in a timely fashion.
Facilitates yearly reassessments as necessary.
Attends mandatory PSRB Acquittee Fundamental Training Program and refresher courses in accordance with DMHAS requirements.
Attends all other agency assigned trainings when designated.
Identifies need to discharge from services in a timely manner ensuring that documentation is completed.
Maintains record of client contact and updates information in the electronic client record.
Develops and reviews recovery plans with Persons Served and assigned team members.
Provides advocacy and crisis intervention services as indicated by the treatment plan.
Assures appropriate entitlements are in place and assists PS in completing necessary paperwork to apply or reapply for benefits.
Facilitate a bi-weekly recovery orientated groups.
Support Colleagues within the Case Management programs with any peer questions to assist with PS.
Develops linkages and follow-up programs for other agency-based support services and/or other community resources.
Supports families as needed in understanding the impact of mental illness.