Youth Community Support Specialist (Case Manager)

The Guidance Center•Leavenworth, KS

About The Position

The Guidance Center (TGC), a Community Mental Health Center and Certified Behavioral Health Clinic serving Leavenworth, Atchison, and Jefferson counties in Kansas, is seeking a Youth Community Support Specialist to join its interdisciplinary team. The role provides Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST) to children and youth with serious emotional disturbance (SED), using the strengths model of case management. Services are provided primarily in clients’ homes, communities, and other natural settings. The position requires evening work at least one day per week after 5 p.m.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent human services work experience, or a combination of human services work experience and education, may be considered, with one year of experience substituting for one year of education.
At least one year of volunteer or paid experience working with individuals in the community.
Evening availability at least one day per week after 5 p.m.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a human service field.
Experience providing services to individuals with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Help clients identify strengths and needs and define goals, strategies, and action plans that support community living and participation.
Participate in treatment planning with clients and other Center providers, and collaborate with providers to support an appropriate and timely treatment plan throughout treatment.
Provide ongoing support and follow-through for client goals related to home, finances and insurance, vocational and educational needs, health, relationships, leisure and recreation, and daily living skills.
Conduct assertive outreach to engage clients and maintain relationships with clients and caregivers.
Help clients and caregivers locate and use resources to meet identified goals and needs.
Transport clients to and from appointments and activities when necessary.
Facilitate communication, cooperation, and resource coordination among service providers and caregivers to support goals in the client’s treatment plan.
Advocate for and with clients as they pursue goals and overcome barriers.
Respond to and support clients and caregivers during emergencies.
Promote and support clients’ efforts to manage symptoms.