Job Description
The Department of Mental Health is seeking a Mental Health Coordinator II for the Metro Boston Area transitional shelters; The Lindemann Inn and Fenwood Inn.
The Lindemann Inn consists of a 60-bed Co-Ed Unit and a 20-bed Women's Unit which are located inside the Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center at 25 Staniford St. The Fenwood Inn is a 40- bed Co-ed unit located at 20 Vining Street, across from the Brigham & Women's Hospital. The DMH transitional shelters are committed to promoting the independence and self-determination of those we serve as a step toward successful transition to permanent housing.
The Mental Health Coordinator II (MHCII), works with clients and staff, serves as a role model and provides support, assistance, and advocacy to guests with mental health and substance use issues. Assist guests and shelter staff in the utilization of appropriate community-based resources; provide education and information to the guests; and team to provide a unique consumer perspective. Utilizes motivational interviewing to encourage guests to become actively involved in their mental health and substance use recovery. Provides individual support, leads groups, and identifies community/milieu interventions and solutions. Works collaboratively with shelter staff and leadership team. Supervises Mental Health Coordinator I. Uses and shares personal, practical experience, knowledge and first-hand insight to benefit the team and persons served.
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Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provide specialized and/or advanced consultation and advocacy services to facilitate and support the consumer's recovery and transition to independence.
- Plan, design, coordinate and deliver peer specialist activities and trainings to enhance knowledge, skills and competencies and to contribute to the proper interpretation and understanding of agency policies, procedures and standards.
- Conduct trainings for staff on recovery principles and harm reduction.
- Participate in shelter and area meetings/groups to discuss issues and brainstorm solutions to problems, to maintain open communication, to promote the availability of resources and to promote efforts and/or to resolve problems.
- Supervise the work of Mental Health Coordinator Level I to verify that the work being performed meets departmental standards and guidelines.
- Review shelter census and engage with new clients to identify substance use or mental health challenges.
- Meet individually with shelter guests regarding stages of change and conduct motivational interviewing activities.
- Participate in the review of existing groups to ensure that they are meeting the needs of guests. Identifies needed groups and facilitates recovery and psychoeducational groups regarding mental well being and substance use.
- Offers empathy, understanding, and encouragement to individuals in recovery and serves as a source of hope and inspiration, showing that recovery is possible.
- Draws on personal experience with addiction and mental health to relate to and connect with individuals going through similar struggles to build trust and rapport.
- Assists guests in developing practical skills and strategies to maintain sobriety and cope with cravings, triggers and other challenges. This may include teaching coping mechanisms, problem solving techniques and relapse prevention strategies.
- Advocates for the needs and rights of individuals in mental health and substance use recovery, helping them navigate systems. Empowers individuals to become active participants in their own recovery.
- Connects individuals with community resources such as support groups, counseling services, MAT, and aftercare programs.
- As needed, escort of clients to necessary meetings and appointments related to their health and housing goals.
- As needed, accompanies clients on group activities to build positive engagement and connections.
- Maintains a schedule at the Lindemann Inn and Fenwood Inn Shelters, Monday through Friday, 11am- 7p. Monday and Tuesdays at Fenwood Inn and Wednesday through Friday will be at The Lindemann Inn. The location is subject to change based on program needs.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the types and availability of public and private community-based resources and programs providing mental health services to consumers.
- Knowledge of the full spectrum of the mental health system Knowledge of all applicable state and federal laws which govern the privacy and confidentiality of information about consumers.
- Knowledge of agency rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines governing assigned responsibilities.
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of direct reports and available resources controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations, determining the need for disciplinary action and recommending disciplinary action.
- Ability to work independently, resolve conflicts, problem solve and make decisions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of shelter protocols and policies
- Knowledge of Metro Boston area homeless providers and resources Knowledge of the housing first model
DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and (A) Peer certification through a recognized Certified Specialist Program and at least (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience as a Mental Health Coordinator in the mental health or health care field.
Based on assignment to a Family Support Specialist position applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and (A) completion of an approved Professional Parent Advisory League (PAL) entry-level training as a Family Support Specialist and at least (B) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience as a Family Support Specialist.
Substitutions:
I. An Associates degree in psychology, human services, mental health or a closely related field may be substituted for six months of the required (B) experience.
II. A Bachelors degree or higher in psychology, human services, mental health or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required (B) experience.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle drivers license at a class level specific to assignment.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.