The In Reach and Engagement Specialist provides an essential function of the Transition to Community Living (TCL) program by supporting members with information about, and assistance with, accessing services and community resources to improve the individual’s health outcomes and aid in successful community living. The In Reach and Engagement Specialist also supports MCO efforts through a combination of activities with various public and private agencies, development of processes and agreements to address critical community needs of individuals participating in TCL, and foster relationships and partnerships to aid in the identification and referral to Alliance of individuals that meet special needs or high-risk criteria. This position is also responsible for administering key assessments to help determine community needs and working in collaboration with several internal teams.
We are currently seeking candidates to serve members in Wake and Johnston counties. This position will also require community travel as needed. The successful candidate will be able to work remote certain days of the week and required to come into the Alliance office closest to their home, one (1) day a week as approved by their supervisor.
Responsibilities & Duties
Complete Assessments
Assess an individual’s interest in community inclusion, educating about transitions to community living and other housing options, service that may be available to them including employment opportunities (IPS-SE), supported housing and housing preferences
Resolve disparities identified and document resolution of needs for members living in institutionalized settings
Engage and Educate Members
Working knowledge of recovery principles that cultivate the belief, hope and understanding for members who otherwise may not believe or have been told that they are unable to live outside of an institution
Working knowledge of employment and education opportunities to maximize quality of life
Build trust and establish rapport, by using person centered dialog to effectively communicate with individuals
Provide face to face and field/community-based support to each member as needed
Educate individuals about services covered under the NC Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915 b/c waiver, or the State funded service array
Educate members and families about provider choice, person-centered planning, using cultural competence and available local resources
Explain the benefits and financial aspects of Supported Housing, as well as other community based integrated settings
Explore and address the concerns of individuals who decline the opportunity to move to supported housing or who are ambivalent about moving to supported housing, despite being eligible for transition to community living
Ensure members receive information and education about choice of services, supports, housing and community based resources including the advantages or disadvantages
Connect Members to Services and Housing Supports
Provide linkage to ongoing peer support services in Alliance benefit plan
Assist families in linking and advocating for appropriate services
Facilitate and accompany individuals on site visits to permanent housing
Provide education and training on tenancy rights
Identify, problem solve, and work to address support needs for members with housing insecurity
Follows members throughout the transition and community living process as needed
Support the member to complete housing applications
Collaborate with the Alliance Care Team, Community Health and Well-Being, and Alliance Departments
Attend all required meetings related to care planning and provider engagement
Notify Care Manager of any new service needs identified during service monitoring
Work with Community Health and Well-Being to maximize member experience and to build social capital in member’s community of choice
Develop in-depth knowledge of various community systems and provide consultation and technical assistance to Alliance clinical departments regarding available resources
Engage with Providers and with External Stakeholders
Collaborate and consult with local stakeholders to enhance and expand available resources
Build partnerships with public and private mental health agencies, DSS, DJJ, and community partners, to develop programs and resources to increase family involvement in care delivery
Represent Alliance in System of Care activities to ensure an integrated System of Care approach for child and adult service systems
Educate and provide technical assistance to agencies and partners regarding the availability of local services, methods for accessing services, the provider network, mental health reform, and System of Care
Caseload Maintenance
Maintain accurate caseloads and tracking tools to ensure correspondence is being mailed to identified individuals within the necessary timeframes
Maintain Documentation
Maintain medical record compliance/quality
Ensure timely documentation of in reach activities as required by department policy and procedures
Compliance
Comply with state, organizational and departmental Policies, Procedures, Processes, Workflows
Minimum Requirements
Education & Experience
Required:
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years of experience working with individuals \with behavioral health needs, as well as at least two years lived experience in navigating any of the Mental Health, Public Health, Social Service, and/or Justice systems. Other relevant experience may be considered including areas of recovery focus.
Special Requirement
Peer Support Specialist Certification
Active NC Driver license
Preferred:
QP status preferred; bachelor’s degree in human services Related Degree preferred; Master’s degree in Human Service-Related Field highly preferred Also preferred completion of training and/or documented knowledge of: WRAP; Person-Centered Thinking; WHAM (Whole Health Action Management), Trauma Informed Care; MH First Aid; IPS-SE; Community Inclusion/Integration; Harm Reduction; Recovery Model.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge of Medicaid basic, enhanced MHSUD, and waiver benefits plans
Knowledge of community specific financial planning resources
Knowledge of regulations and statutes specific to 1915(b) and (c) waiver services including licensure type required for facility-based services, and staffing and supervision requirements (LTS and TBI Care Workers only)
Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Motivational Interviewing techniques
Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
Conflict management and resolution skills
High level of diplomacy and discretion is required to effectively negotiate and resolve issues with minimal assistance.
Strong problem solving, negotiation, arbitration and conflict resolution skills are essential to balance the needs of both internal and external customers.
Ability to understand macro and micro level planning, maintaining both the big picture and seeing that the details are covered.
Detail oriented
Ability to organize multiple tasks and priorities
Ability to change the focus of activities to meet changing priorities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is required
Must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
Salary Range
$22.23 to $28.90/Hourly
Exact compensation will be determined based on the candidate's education, experience, external market data and consideration of internal equity.
An excellent fringe benefit package accompanies the salary, which includes:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability
Generous retirement savings plan
Flexible work schedules including hybrid/remote options
Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, holiday, management leave