Community Mental Health Associate (Housing Outreach)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: The location is based at the Garlington Health Center but will work out of the community. Work is performed on the street, in client’s homes, and in in the community and other public spaces. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position: Community Mental Health Associate

Program: Housing Outreach

Mission and Vision:  

Mission 
Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve. 

Vision 
We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life. 

Position Description: The Community Mental Health Associate works independently and as a member of a team to provide street outreach and engagement, housing placement, and time-limited home-based retention supports to individuals and household members impacted by homelessness and mental illness. They must have strong interpersonal skills necessary to develop positive working relationships within the team and assist participants in developing trusting relationships with other individuals and support systems, and assist all participants in accessing program partner services as well as mainstream resources/health programs. The Community Mental Health Associate is responsible for conducting outreach services both on the street and with local social service providers with the intent of securing housing and other essential services to resolve homelessness, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. Services will be provided primarily on the street, in the community, and in the participants homes. The primary goal is to quickly place participants into housing and achieve long-term housing stability.

The position is part of a team that provides community based behavioral health services and long-term rental subsidies. The program uses a holistic, whole person, culturally responsive approach as well as motivational interviewing, assertive engagement and the Harm Reduction model. All incumbents must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma informed, the incumbent must support a Trauma Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.

Essential Duties:

Coordinate and monitor client’s health conditions by obtaining information from client records, internal and external providers and Palm II staff.Work with the QMHP (Clinician) to help client meet their physical and mental health goals; determine the needs of the clients and their stages of change by gathering information from client, team members, client records and providers.Provide outreach and engagement services to clients in need of additional support using assertive engagement strategiesProvide case management to help participants obtain and maintain housingEnsure participant have adequate supply of medication provide instruction on medication management.Coordinate referrals from internal and external provider. I.e. Respite, Primary Care, SUD, and Palliative Care through by communication with staff, providers and relevant paperworkFollow up on clients schedules and appointments ensure their punctuality, using a company or personal vehicleProvide Skills training in areas of health promotion and activities of daily living in order to help increase client independence, through teaching and modeling skills necessary to manage their healthEnsure proper storage of medical records and housing charts by scanning, faxing and filling as requiredUsing an electronic health record system, document services in order to communicate to team and billing as fee-for-service.Deliver supplies to clients such as food and medicationEnsure participants have an adequate supply of medication as prescribed and provide instruction on medication managementAdhere to compliance, required laws and trainings, safety of property and staff, regulations, I.e. Mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPPA, fire regulationsParticipate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policy and procedures and local, state and federal regulations through use of Electronic Health Record System (EHR)Complete annul employee training requirements in order to understand how to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and stay in compliancePerform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA). Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience or a combination of work experience and education. Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBOOne to three years of experience providing services out in the community or in people homes or related lived experiencePrior practice in working with individuals who experience homelessness and/or substance use disorders is preferredKnowledge of Assertive Engagement strategiesUnderstanding systems of care and community resourcesAble to apply an equity lens to understand the barriers that led to disparate health outcomesAdvanced knowledge of culturally specific servicesKnowledge of Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Recovery ModelUnderstanding of Illness ManagementKnowledge of strength based philosophiesKnowledge of Microsoft office suite with basic Excel skillsOperate computer programs and systems at a level needed to perform the essential duties. I.e. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, such as Credible or Epic.CPR Certification must be maintained (Training is provided)Able to pass a DMV check; possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history and a clean driving record

Working Conditions:

Environmental: Work is both out in the community and in the officeOperating hours: Work hours operate typically between 7:00 am to 7:30 pm and there is room for flexibility within the hours of work.Mental: Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants. Remaining aware and alert is critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situationsPhysical Demands: There regular moments of stationary time at a desk entering data, typing documentation, moving about the community for home visits, appointments and other calls; driving to client homes and appointments where there may be stairs. There is constant communication with clients, staff and community providers. May occasionally lift 20 to 50 lbs. bend, or kneel to transport supplies, and occasionally may need to move quickly or run to remove self from potential harm.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654 or at peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org

This position is represented by a Labor Union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)VSP Vision Discount Plan403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life InsurancePaid Bereavement and Jury Duty LeaveLength of Service AwardVoluntary Life InsuranceSupplemental InsuranceStudent loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Bicycle ReimbursementDiscounted Fitness MembershipsTrauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

25.68

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26.84