Community Support Specialist (Behavioral Health)--Monthly Bonus Available

McClendon Center, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 50,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid health and dental benefits

4 weeks combined leave

403(b) retirement contributions

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Job summary

McClendon Center, Inc. seeks a Community Support Specialist in Washington, DC, to provide behavioral health support to consumers. The role includes assessing consumer needs, assisting in crisis situations, and facilitating access to community resources. Successful candidates will have a high school diploma and 1-4 years of relevant experience.

Offering a competitive salary between $43,000 and $50,500 annually, benefits include comprehensive health coverage, professional development, and employer contributions to retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 1-4 years of experience in social services or nonprofit environment, preferably in mental health.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provides ongoing assessment of consumers’ needs and develops service plans.
• Assists consumers in crisis situations and in applying for benefits.
• Documents all services and maintains the confidentiality of consumers.

Skills

Flexible hours

Coordination with multi-disciplinary team

Communication skills

Knowledge of ethical practices

Organizational skills

Computer skills (MS Office)

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Community Support Specialist (Behavioral Health)--Monthly Bonus Available

Full-time.

McClendon Center, founded in 1980, is a certified community-based service provider operating under the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health. As a leading not-for-profit organization in Washington, DC, McClendon Center provides outpatient behavioral rehabilitation to the mentally ill by fostering creativity, promoting friendship, instilling independence, and providing an outlet for emotional growth and greater participation in the community.

McClendon Center operates programs in two locations, a day program near Metro Center Metro and an outpatient service clinic in the Farragut North Metro Station section of DC. The Center has revenues of approximately $9 million, with contracts from the Department of Behavioral Health, three Managed Medicaid Organizations, and grants from various foundations.

McClendon Center is a respected and highly rated agency in the District of Columbia. The Center was the first independent mental health agency in the District to be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provides ongoing assessment of consumers’ wants and clearly identified needs, and facilitates the development and updating of the service plan and assessment and diagnostic review every 180 days with no gaps between plans.
• Assists consumers in crisis situations.
• Assists consumers in applying for all benefits and entitlements, such as SSI, Medicaid, Section 8, energy assistance, and other eligible services.
• Assists consumers in locating and utilizing community resources, such as AA, self‑help groups and recreational centers.
• Locates safe, sanitary and affordable housing for consumers that is appropriate for the level of care needed and provides support during transition from different types of housing.
• Accompanies consumers to critical services when necessary, especially medication appointments and Center psychiatric appointments.
• Teaches consumers to utilize public transportation and to apply for any reduced fares.
• Assists consumers in symptom self‑management, monitors compliance with medication, and any response, side effects, or medication problems.
• Assists consumers in accessing health‑related services as needed.
• Provides education, support and consultation to consumers’ families and support system as appropriate.
• Documents all services provided by billing and writes progress notes no later than 11:59 pm on the next business day following the date of service.
• Reviews and updates assessment and diagnostic review and treatment plans (must obtain a client signature) every 180 days with no gaps between plans.
• Reports and maintains all consumer related correspondence and activities as they occur.
• Completes crisis plans and DLA‑20 assessment with the consumer every 180 days.
• Obtains a signed Consumer Choice Form every 90 days.
• Provides external monitoring and support when consumers are engaged in services with other agencies.
• Participates in the on‑call system that will respond to consumers after hours, during holidays, and on weekends.
• Provides advocacy and support for consumers as they navigate social, governmental and community systems.
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences and training sessions as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively with all collateral agencies demonstrating positive interaction.
• From the beginning of the eight week of employment, bills an average of 5.00 hours per day for each day worked; productivity is calculated and reported weekly. Productivity will be offset by any approved absences from work. A monthly bonus is available if certain standards are met.
• Maintains the confidentiality of consumers at all times and operates within the Code of Ethics of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.
• Develops familiarity with Joint Commission, Medicaid and Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) standards and compliance requirements, and assists as needed in maintaining Joint Commission accreditation, Medicaid compliance and DBH.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• One (1) to four (4) years of experience in a social services or nonprofit environment. Experience in a mental health or similar agency is highly desired.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, including evenings and weekends.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• Ability to coordinate with a multi‑disciplinary team within an outpatient mental health agency.
• A superior communicator, who shares information readily and concisely, listens as well as gives advice, and respects the abilities of others.
• Knowledge of sound ethical practices and principles related to the care of mental health consumers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including operating Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Knowledge and ability to navigate an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), including data entry.
• Ability to relate to adults diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness, using knowledge of concepts, principles, and theories related to mental health and mental illness.
• Ability to perform amicably in an environment serving the seriously and persistently mentally ill adult population.
• Ability to respect and uphold client confidentiality.
• Ability to exhibit a high level of organizational skills and to prioritize and multi‑task without direct supervision.

Benefits

• A competitive starting base salary of $43,000–$50,500 annually based on relevant work experience (community mental health).
• Professional support and career development.
• A package of comprehensive benefits including 100% employer‑paid health, dental and wellness, AFLAC supplemental benefits, four weeks of combined sick and vacation leave, 403(b) retirement employer contributions, Incentive programs, Tuition stipend, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, life insurance, and Employee Assistance Program.
• The latest technology and work tools including a laptop and iPhone.

Equal Opportunity Employer

McClendon Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or disability.