VA Behavioral Health Specialist

Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Residential Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for assisting in maintaining a safe, sanitary, supportive and stable environment in an Emergency Shelter setting specifically serving homeless veterans. Behavioral Health Specialist will be trained to use a Housing First model to assist veterans with completion of goal orientated tasks, building independent living skills and obtaining permanent housing. Behavioral Health Specialist will apply a harm reduction approach to recovery orientated tasks to support mental health and/or sobriety. Behavioral Health Specialist must assign and supervise tasks carried out by the veteran, offer teaching opportunities / support, both in a group and or 1:1 setting, and provide transportation to appointments and community-based activities as needed. Behavioral Health Specialist will be expected to coordinate with House Team Lead, Housing Case Manager, Veterans Administration, internal agency, and other stakeholders to provide collaborative care to homeless veterans. Completion of annual internal trainings, VA specific trainings and TB test will be required. Behavioral Health Specialist will be responsible for daily record keeping in compliance with foodbank licensing guidelines and VA contract expectations.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Meet deadlines and ensures accuracy of various reports / paperwork, mileage sheets, and electronic timesheets.
2. Provide thorough orientation to new admissions and complete required intake and discharge paperwork (including but are not limited to releases, stay agreement and residential rules / responsibilities) in accordance with Residential Care Veteran Emergency Shelter program expectations, Residential Care policies and procedures and VA contract expectations.
3. Complete daily room checks to ensure cleanliness and sanitation standards of the emergency shelter setting. Provide feedback to veterans if deficiencies are found during daily room checks.
4. Provide motivation, support, and instruction for veterans through designated service provisions to promote development of responsible living patterns, achieve a more adaptive level of psychosocial functioning, self-sufficiency in health and personal hygiene, improved interpersonal relationships, and facilitate movement towards permanent housing.
5. Assess, problem-solve, and effectively handle situations requiring crisis intervention including documenting and reporting incidents to the veteran's Housing Case Manager and supervisor per department, agency policy and VA contract expectations.
6. Supervise and review medication inventory upon admission and ensure on-going changes are communicated with emergency shelter team to ensure an up-to-date Medication Summary Record (MSR) as per Residential Care Policy.
7. Work collaboratively with supervisors, Housing Case Manager, veterans, treatment team members, external stakeholders and community providers to facilitate VA contract expectations and Veteran’s individualized plan of care. Provide daily correspondence to shelter team.
8. Provide coverage of facility as requested in the event of emergency, holidays, vacations, or illnesses.
9. Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment within the facility and submit timely facility requests. This includes completing and documenting safety drills as assigned and maintaining policies / procedures compliant with Health and Safety expectations and VA contract guidelines.
10. Assist with scheduling and conducting weekly house meetings, completion of weekly household tasks and assists with planning activities for the facility. Structured group activities will be offered as appropriate and when available.
11. Provide three nutritionally adequate meals per day, 7 days a week, and nutritious snacks (including menu preparation, meal planning and participating in the shopping).
12. Provide support for an alcohol / drug abuse-free lifestyle environment conducive to social interaction and the fullest development of the Veteran’s rehabilitative potential.
13. Provide support in obtaining an affordable stable living environment, housing planning, job seeking and exploration of community resources.

Requirements:

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Maintain acceptable overall attendance record, to include department staff meetings, agency meetings, and trainings as required. Ensures appropriate notification to supervisor for absences and ensures that work is covered. Flexible in work schedule when needed.
2. Exhibit appropriate level of technical knowledge for the position.
3. Produce quantity of work necessary to meet job requirements.
4. Work well with a team, keeps others informed of information needed. Treats others with respect and maintains a spirit of cooperation.
5. Maintain effective and professional verbal and written interactions with peers, customers, supervisors and other staff. Use diplomacy and tact in dealing with difficult situations or people. Is receptive to constructive feedback.
6. Demonstrate the ability and willingness to handle new assignments, changes in procedures and business requirements. Identify what needs to be done and takes appropriate action.
7. Ensure safe transportation of veterans in the community as needed, using agency provided van or personal vehicle.
8. Complete assigned work, meets deadlines without reminders / follow-up from supervisor or others.
9. Perform work conscientiously with a high degree of accuracy.
10. Meets goals and objectives as mutually agreed upon during last performance review (if applicable).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

* Expected to have a HS Diploma plus one-year post-high school education or equivalent experience in the human service field.

* Preferred areas of experience include working with Veterans, SMI/SPMI population and/or dual diagnosis population working in a residential setting.

* Must demonstrate effective communication and documentation skills as well as the ability to develop and maintain rapport with consumers, constituents and staff.

* Staff must possess basic computer and typing skills.

* Valid KS driver's license and access to personal vehicle required.

* Valid TB test required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Driving (for purposes of community mobility)

* Typing / data entry, writing

* Lifting / carrying up to 30 pounds

* Bending / Stooping / Climbing (stairs included) / Reaching

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and / or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

EEO Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Veteran, Disabled