Community Support Specialist - Assertive Community Treatment

Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Supervisor, ACT will provide behavioral health assessment and treatment planning, case management, support, education, and consultation for individuals enrolled in the program. Will provide mobile crisis response and intervention to ACT clients. Function as an effective team member and represent the agency in a professional manner.

Qualifications:
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree in in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field.
or
Bachelor's Degree in in any other field with two years of documented clinical experience in a mental health setting under the supervision of a QMHP.
or H.S. Diploma/GED and a minimum of five years documented clinical experience in mental health or human services.
or
A practical nurse who holds a valid license in the state of practice.
or
Certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program, plus a high school diploma or GED, plus two years' documented experience in providing mental health.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Valid Driver's License upon hire.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Ability to delegate wisely, exercise good judgment, maintain good interpersonal relationships, adapt to change, evaluate critically and think creatively. Individual will demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to clients with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Individual will demonstrate effective written and verbal skills allowing communication with physicians, co-workers, other clinic/hospital personnel, as well as the public. Position requires good organizational skills.

Essential Functions:

• Key Accountability Provides community-based/in-home behavioral health services for individuals experiencing serious mental illness that interferes with their ability to manage mental health symptoms and live independently. Provides transportation to client as clinically appropriate. Completes assessment and treatment plan with client. Request consultation, where indicated, in a diligent and timely manner. Provides on-call interventions for ACT clients, covering after business hours, overnights and weekends as assigned. Provides crisis assessment and intervention, completes safety plan with client, and follows up with client following crisis situation. Coordinates with Emergency Response Service and other crisis service teams when clinically appropriate. Provides individual and group ACT services to include, but not limited to, monitoring of daily living activities, assistance maintaining benefits and entitlements, assistance with employment and education, support to manage symptoms, medication observation as requested by physician, advocacy for client's rights and preferences, assistance accessing resources, family support, coordination of services and care. Maintains records in accordance with TrilliumPlace policies, as well as state and federal oversight agencies and accreditation agencies including Joint Commission, Medicaid, Medicaid Rehabilitation Option, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Commercial Insurances. Acts as a liaison and resource between the community and client needs; coordinates treatment goals with community agencies, primary care physicians, court system, and managed-care entities.
• Key Accountability. Participates in in-service and competency training. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings. Prepares special reports as needed on activities, and work group activities. Meets clinical productivity standards. Meets compliance standards for all documentation and clinical charts.