In-Reach Specialist (Cabarrus/Stanly/Union Counties)

Excellent Benefits Package!!! See attachment for details. Position eligible for State Retirement and low deductible/low pay health plan. 12 paid holidays! Location: Cabarrus, Stanly or Union County Projected Hiring Range: Depending on Experience Closing Date: 12/31/2021 at 11:59 PM
Primary Purpose of Position:In-reach is an engagement, education and support effort designed to accurately and fully inform adults who have a serious mental illness (SMI) or a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) about community-based mental health services and supported housing options including but not limited to; the availability of tenancy support services and rental assistance. In-reach is ongoing with the goal of educating individuals about all community-based options, including the option to transition into supported housing, its benefits, the array of services and supports available to those in supported housing to include rental subsidy and other assistance individuals may need. In-reach also includes informing individuals about Medicaid, Special Assistance, services under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance or the State funded service array for which the individual is eligible. In-reach also includes offering the individual opportunities to meet with other individuals with disabilities who are living, working and receiving services in integrated settings. LME-MCOs will initially target in-reach to Adult Care Homes (ACHs) determined to be Institution for Mental Disease (IMDs). This position assists members in understanding recovery and implementing recovery-oriented activities to prevent relapse and promote wellness.
Role and Responsibilities:

Target Population for in-reach includes:

• Individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who reside in ACHs determined by the State to be an IMD
• Individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) who are residing in ACHs licensed for at least 50 beds and in which 25% or more of the resident population has a mental illness
• Individuals with SPMI who are residing in ACHs licensed for between 20 and 49 beds and in which 40% or more of the resident population has a mental illness
• Individuals with SPMI who are or will be discharged from a State Psychiatric Hospital and who are homeless or have unstable housing
• Individuals diverted from entry into ACHs pursuant to the pre-admission screening and diversion provisions established by the State

In-Reach Activities include but are not limited to:

• Assessing individual’s interest in supported housing
• Explaining fully the benefits and financial aspects of clinically appropriate community based integrated settings, including supported housing
• Facilitating and accompanying individuals on site visits to permanent housing with tenancy rights
• Exploring and addressing the concerns of any individual who declines the opportunity to move to supported housing or who are ambivalent about moving to supported housing, despite being qualified for such housing
• Reviewing individual’s housing preferences
• Provide linkages to ongoing peer support services as a step in education/exposure to the housing options and supports available
• Educating individuals about services covered under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915(b)(c) waiver, or the State funded service array

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of recovery process.
• Knowledgeable about Medicaid and Special Assistance benefits, available clinical services, community supports, and supported housing.
• Ability and sensitivity to work and/or serve a diverse population.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with members and families as well as other professional disciplines, community agencies and groups.
• Ability to respect the laws regarding confidentiality of information, verbal or written and authorizations for release of information
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work.
• Must be able to travel and visit various facilities and meet with identified Transition to Community Living (TCL) members and guardians.

Education/Experience Required:

• NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Program Certification, and
• Specific background and expertise working with people with SMI and their families or guardians, and
• Must be knowledgeable about community services and supports, including supportive housing.

Other requirements:

• Must reside in North Carolina.
• Must have ability to travel as needed to perform the job duties

Education/Experience Preferred:

Above requirements

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

In-Reach staff must be a NC Certified Peer Support Specialist.