JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFIED MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST (QMHS)

TITLE: QMHS

PURPOSE

Under the direction of a Licensed Therapist, a Qualified Mental Health Specialist provides support to individuals with Mental Health or Substance Abuse issues in residential, school, workplace and community settings. Deliver interventions and activities that are strength-based and focused on promoting recovery, symptom reduction, increased coping skills, and achievement of the highest level of functioning in the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides services and activities under the direction of the Therapist and/or Program Manager in accordance with an Individual Service Plan (ISP) designed to meet the educational, vocational, residential, mental health treatment, financial, social and other needs of the recipient; provide ongoing revision of plan.

Ensures that delivered services and activities meet the goal of minimizing the negative effects of psychiatric symptoms or substance dependence that interferes with the client’s daily living and personal development; Provides activities to support the client in the development of various skill building activities including: daily and community living, socialization and adaptation skills; development of leisure time interests and activities; symptom management; wellness and substance abuse education; employment readiness; behavior and anger management.

Deliver services pertinent to the ISP and specified goals including arrangement, linkage or integration of multiple services as they are needed or being received by the recipient, either between programs, within the area program, or from other outside agencies.

Documents services provided and progress against treatment plans and goals according to prescribed procedures including the name of the person supported, Medicaid identification number, date of service, purpose of contact, description of the intervention(s), the time spent performing the intervention(s), effectiveness of the intervention and the name of the Para-Professional.

Provides feedback and information for the QMHS or Therapist pertaining to the recipient’s needs for case management services; informs the recipient about benefits, community resources, and services; assists the recipient in accessing benefits and services; arranges for the recipient to receive benefits and services; and monitors the provision of services.

Participates in regular treatment team meetings to discuss clients; immediately reports any concerns to the QMHS or Therapist as it pertains to the welfare of the client and/or services rendered.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Completes all necessary documentation to service delivery. Provides written communication for necessary services inside and outside the Agency

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D

Maintain required productivity expectation.

Attends required Staff meetings.

Reacts to change and stress productively.

Maintains regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

Gets along with others and works as a team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s Degree in psychology or related field and/or LSW required experience in mental health is preferred. Must have experience working with dually diagnosed persons. Basic computer skills required, including familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office. The necessity for travel in this job requires that the employee possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, have proof of adequate personal automobile insurance, and use of a person vehicle. Favorable references and/or evaluations are required.

Demonstrate knowledge and expertise pertinent psychosocial principles and family dynamic development.

Demonstrated ability to arrange and participate in community collaborative meetings with other agencies and stakeholders to implement comprehensive, integrated, strength based person-centered plans; identify and engage resources to provide problem resolution assistance.

Demonstrated ability to deliver activities in accordance with ISP to effect crisis planning, family education, life skills development, advocacy, and monitoring of supports and services.

Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing; complete documentation according to DMH guidelines.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of personal computers including database management and word processing software.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Satisfactory Background Investigation

Valid driver’s license and proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage

CPR/First Aid Certification

Willingness to successfully complete service-specific training courses

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive, stand and walk. In addition, the employee may be required to restrain a client. The physical demands described must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.