SALARY AND BENEFITS

The current starting salary for the position is $23.00 per hour, although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background.

Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.

Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).

Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Overview:

The Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS) is directly accountable to the Program Supervisor and/or Facility Director of designated program and/or facility.

The MHSS is primarily responsible for providing crisis intervention, intakes, and monitoring the mental health of residential clients.

General Requirements:

1. All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:

a. Employee Handbook

b. Standard Operating Procedures

Specific Duties:

• 
  This position may require working the hours of a flexible or varied schedule. On-call availability required.
• Assess the psychological/mental health evaluation needs of incoming clients.
• Complete all necessary mental health assessments to assist in the development of an accurate diagnoses.
• Make referrals to a variety of social services and medical resources.
• Conduct crisis intervention sessions regarding mental health issues with clients.
• Monitor on-going mental health needs on all units.
• Coordinate with mental health team to triage needs of residents.
• Assist residents in scheduling medical and mental health related appointments in the community.
• Modify/update case plans routinely during individual sessions as progress is made and/or new goals are established.
• Ensure that client transportation needs are scheduled and met. May include transporting the residents if needed.
• Attend weekly Staff Meetings.
• Document all contracts, significant issues, and general progress in the resident case file.
• Coordinating treatment recommendations with staff for inclusion in the overall community placement recommendation.
• If during assessment an offender is thought to be homicidal or suicidal, the MHSS will report this information immediately to the COO and/or CEO.
• Assist residents in addressing their criminogenic needs while holding offenders accountable to program compliance.
• Complete thorough, accurate and timely contact notes of individual sessions and any significant collateral contact information.
• Maintain all required records within the limits of confidentiality and prescribed timelines to ensure accurate documentation and record keeping.
• Complete the PREA and Suicide Risk screens within the first 24-48 hours of arrival.
• Work towards developing and maintaining rapport with the resident from initial contact.
• Assess risk and criminogenic needs early, to form the basis of the residents individualized program plan and reassess at appropriate intervals as needed.
• Meet with each resident as determined by their individual risk and needs.
• Work with the resident and their “team” to develop an individualized program plan using the “SMART” goal planning process.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Human Services or related field and two years’ experience in the field of counseling or mental health support.
• Good writing and verbal skills and the ability to type 40 words per minute.
• Must have experience and demonstrated ability in records management.
• A current, valid Montana Driver's License.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products

PREFERRED:

• Valid Montana license in scope of practice (i.e., LCPC or LCSW), or certifiable.
• Experience working with offenders and/or experience working in a residential treatment facility.
• Two years experience in social services in a counseling or case management position.
• Ability to type 45 words per minute.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and cognitive behavioral programming.