Mental Health Associate

Reports To: Unit Director

Trainings: Annual, CPI, QPRT, Heart Saver First Aid CPR/AED

Career Development: Mental Health Associate | Therapist | LIP | Assistant Director | Director

Position Summary:
The mental health specialist leads the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) staff in providing whatever direct assistance is reasonable and necessary to ensure that the consumer obtains the basic necessities of daily life, including, but not limited to, safe, clean affordable housing; food and clothing; medical and dental services; and appropriate financial support. The mental health specialist facilitates consumer independence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides training and instruction, including individual support, problem-solving, skill development, modeling and supervision in home and community settings.
• Develops and supports the consumer's participation in recreational and social activities and relationships.
• Assists consumers in planning appropriate and productive use of leisure time.
• Assists consumers in use of existing self-help centers, self-help groups and other social, church and recreational clubs.
• Assists consumers in acquiring, completing and submitting appropriate forms to ensure that their basic needs are met (Medicaid, SSI, PAAD, food stamps, etc.).
• Coordinates with community agencies/resources to ensure consumers receive needed services.
• Contacts consumers on a regular basis to assist with independent living skills.
• Participates, with other team members and consumers/family/others as appropriate, in the completion and updating of treatment plans for each consumer within established time frames or as indicated by consumer need.
• Documents all consumer interactions, including sessions with consumers/families/others as appropriate, within established time frames.
• Completes progress notes accurately, addressing treatment goals, major treatment issues and changes in mental status.
• Writes in a professional and competent manner.
• Proficient in the knowledge and skills described in the core competency curriculum for each assigned age/disability group.
• Develops an adequate professional working relationship with all referral sources and relevant agencies.
• Assists with case management and intra/interagency coordination of services for consumers.
• Responds to consumer-defined crises 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, providing crisis intervention and consultation to consumers, their families and others.
• Monitors medication intake by assessing symptoms, side effects and medication compliance, reporting to team.
• Works cooperatively with staff and supervisor.
• Seeks supervision in a professional manner and documents supervision.
• Demonstrates a willingness to serve on professional committees, attend staff meetings, attend in-services, etc.
• Effectively facilitates social and recreational activities.
• Effectively facilitates psychoeducational groups.
• Assists in the interviewing process for job applicants.
• Spends time in consumer's residence and community in order to realize goals of the consumer's treatment plan
• Maintains a New Jersey driver's license.
• Practices safe and courteous driving habits.
• Engages in supportive counseling and provides education in daily living skills.
• Transports consumers as needed.
• Performs on-call responsibilities as assigned.
• Documentation must be completed within one (1) calendar day of service delivery
• Productivity goals shall meet percentage as designated by department.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a behavioral health field.
• Experience: Two years postgraduate in a behavioral health setting.

Equipment Use: Computer, copier, facsimile, motor vehicle

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.