A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
This is a FLSA non-exempt position. The incumbent serves as a Peer Support Specialist Blue Ridge Center and is responsible for engaging with and connecting individuals to BRC groups and resources as well as providing emotional and recovery support services to individuals over the age of 18, with mental health and/or co-occurring disorders in the Region Ten catchment area. Incumbent will offer support and education to BRC members and individuals in attendance. The incumbent reports to the Program Manager of Blue Ridge Center and performs duties by proceeding in consort with other treatment providers. The CSA II is expected to perform duties as specified and according to the policies of Region Ten Community Services Board, as well as those of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION A High School diploma or equivalent is preferred
EXPERIENCE
Personal experience in recovery is required; incumbent will have at least 1-3 years of experience in a related field. Sustained recovery is recommended.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE
Incumbent is expected to obtain their Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification within one year of hire In addition, the incumbent needs to possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities: KSAS Knowledge of 1. Principals of Peer Support and Recovery 2. Services and systems available in the community including primary health care, support services, eligibility criteria, intake processes, and community resources. 3. The nature of serious mental illness, intellectual disability and/or substance abuse depending on the population served, including clinical and developmental issues. 4. Treatment modalities and intervention techniques, such as behavior management, independent living skills training, supportive counseling, family education, crisis intervention, discharge planning, and service coordination. 5. Consumers' rights 6. Local community resources and service delivery systems, including support services (e.g., housing, financial, social welfare, dental, educational, transportation, communications, recreation, vocational, legal/advocacy), eligibility criteria and intake processes, termination criteria and procedures, and generic community resources (e.g., churches, clubs, self-help groups). 7. Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication principles and techniques. 8. General principles of record documentation. 9. The service planning process including, but not limited to, the Recovery and Person-Centered Planning models, as well as the major components of a service plan.
Skills in:
1. General knowledge of Interviewing and supportive recovery techniques. 2. Ability to solve problems within the scope of responsibility. 3. Building effective and positive rapport with a diverse population. 4. Group facilitation. 5. Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions. 6. Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in written form. 7. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports. 8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, medical professionals, community service providers, agencies, and associates, and the general public. 9. Negotiating and advocate with consumers within service facilitation. 10. Observing, recording and reporting on an individual's functioning. 11. Identifying and documenting a consumer's needs for resources, services, and other supports. 12. Using information from assessments, evaluations, observation and interviews to develop service plans. 13. Identifying community resources and organizations and coordinating resources and activities. 14. Electronic documentation.
Abilities to:
1. Be persistent and remain objective 2. Empower and Engage individuals. 3. Assess, refer, and authorize services. 4. Timely documentation of appropriate health information, 5. Work as a team member, maintaining effective inter and intra-agency working relationships. 6. Demonstrate a positive regard for consumers and their families (e.g., treating consumers as individuals, allowing risktaking, respecting consumers' and families' privacy, and believing consumers are valuable members of society). 7. Work independently performing position duties under general supervision. 8. Communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing. 9. Establish and maintain ongoing supportive relationships. 10. Accept Supervision and Seek out Supervision as needed.
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
GRADE 8: (Non-Credentialed) $19.11 -$28.66 per hour GRADE 9: (Credentialed) $21.02 - $31.53 per hour
POSITION LOCATION
100 Burnett St. Charlottesville, VA 22902
SCHEDULE:
40 hours weekly; generally 9am-4pm Monday through Friday.
