General Statement of Duties:
The Clinical Advocate provides assistance with all program needs and assumes responsibility for direct services to members involved in the Summit House program. This position will assist with managing annual documentation through Medicaid and Agency requirements. The Clinical Advocate functions as a part of a team at Summit House, a psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) program, informed by the Fountain House/Clubhouse model, serving individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses.
Distinguishing Features of the Work:
This position’s primary responsibility is to assist Supervisor with new member intake and assessment so that members can receive psychosocial rehabilitative services through the clubhouse program. The position does not involve supervisory responsibilities, except in the sense of supervising the work of members. The Clinical Advocate will work with an assigned caseload of members to help develop and encourage their rehabilitation goals and to monitor their progress throughout the year, in addition to assisting with Medicaid authorizations throughout the year. Supervision is provided by the Summit House Supervisor via weekly staff meetings as well as individual supervision. The work requires that confidentiality be maintained in accordance with Board policy in the context of a Fountain House model informed program. The individual filling this position reports to the Supervisor of Summit House.
Persons in this class are classified non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Takes a lead role in completion of Authorizations for PSR for existing members in the psychosocial rehabilitation program;
- Assist with timely completion of Medicaid Assessments (ie, CNA) as needed;
- Works with all members to promote support and advocacy;
- Facilitates groups, outings and/or programs as assigned or needed to increase members’ ability to live well with a mental illness and to enhance members’ quality of life
- Participate in daily rotation of work units
- Completes all required documentation including daily progress notes, treatment plans and quarterly reviews as appropriate;
- Maintains caseload of members equivalent to team members and as program needs require;
- May assist with review of ISPs to ensure standardization and continuity of plans between assessment, DLA-20 and ISPs.
- Appropriately uses crisis intervention skills during member psychiatric crisis and/or medical emergencies.
- Intervenes to assist members during medical emergencies;
- Provides supportive counseling and problem solving with members;
- Provides individual skills training to members in all units;
- Trains members to properly and efficiently access Medicaid transportation and provides or refers individual to MH-CM assistance as needed;
- Participates in individual supervision with the Summit House Supervisor;
- Participates in weekly staff meetings to discuss both administrative and member related information;
- Participates in training that fosters professional growth;
- Participates in daily community meetings with members and other staff;
- Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, and voice mail in order to enhance customer service;
- Assumes other duties as assigned, consistent with established organizational policies and procedures;
- Maintains effective relationships with co-workers and members based on courtesy, compassion, and respect.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to empathize, demonstrate respect, communicate warmly and honestly; ability to work effectively with members, service providers and employers in the community; ability to confront constructively while maintaining therapeutic rapport; ability to intervene effectively during members’ psychiatric crises or medical emergencies; knowledge of and adherence to ethics appropriate for psychiatric rehabilitation, ability to write concisely and clearly; demonstrate good judgment; ability to function independently as well as work as part of a team. Working knowledge of mental illness. Basic computer literacy and word processing skills required.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in human services or related specialty, plus one year of experience in a mental health setting; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must meet licensed eligible requirements in the State of Virginia for either LPC or LCSW.
Additional Requirement:
Possession of a valid, current driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Mandt training, CPR, and First Aid certification to be provided if not already attained.
Other Information:
Equipment: Telephone, vehicle, PC, word processing program, electronic health record, kitchen appliances, cleaning materials.
Work Environment: Community settings and offices with lighting levels, temperature ranges, air quality, ventilation, and noise levels as provided in each setting.
Work Location: Primarily Summit House; and some community settings.
Work Hazards: Minimal hazards associated with general day-to-day activities; occasional hazards associated with problem behaviors. Some hazards associated with moving and lifting kitchen equipment and large or bulky items up to 25 lbs. Essential abilities to perform job duties including bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, regular office hours. The schedule may include some occasional evening or weekend hours for social programs and dinners and/or to meet member needs.