Crisis Outreach Coordinator

Compass Program- New Haven, CT

• FT 40 Hours Tuesday–Saturday 4PM-12AM

Scope of Service: Provides mobile crisis response to individuals who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis; in some instances, such crises may also involve issues related to welfare or homelessness. The Crisis Coordinator is intended to complement and support the work of The City of New Haven's first responders, and is an additional resource available to them. The Coordinator also provides a secondary response from a request at the scene by the NHPD, NHFD, or Emergency Medical Services, or may self-initiate a response through direct outreach in the community. The Coordinator will also serve as an additional resource to the City of New Haven Police Department’s CIT program conducted in partnership with the lead LMHA and DMHAS. Coordinates clinical treatment meetings between program and external providers and natural supports, as necessary to ensure continuity of care. Completes, submits, and monitors records based on fidelity, funding, or contract requirements. Networks with area community providers and provides case management supports for the benefit of the clients. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Clinical Services:

• Responds within 15 minutes to 911 calls through NHPD dispatch.
• Collaborates effectively with first responders as well as Mobile Crisis Teams.
• Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with clients and first responders maintaining professional ethics and boundaries.
• Completes necessary screenings and documentation for clients and triages incoming community referrals from external providers.
• Conducts appropriate follow up services with each client to review progress, mental health stability, upcoming appointments and activities, and discharge planning when appropriate.
• Completes and reviews a multitude of client assessments to ensure individual needs are addressed and implemented into care and treatment plans.
• Develops, implements, and monitors person-centered plans with the client in all aspects of care, up to and including the intake and discharge processes.
• Coordinates and assists clients to obtain and maintain identified needs including and not limited to entitlements, treatment, medical, transportation, housing, wellness/nutrition, legal services, education/employment, and others needs as identified.
• Assists the client in identifying potential barriers to achieving aspirations and goals, and links the client to appropriate services to address these obstacles.
• Coordinates clinical treatment meetings between program and external providers and natural supports, as necessary to ensure continuity of care.
• Works collaboratively with external providers for the benefit of client care.
• Works collaboratively with families, and positive natural supports for the benefit of client care.
• Coordinates transition and discharge planning, when appropriate.
• As applicable, administration of breathalyzer tests and urinalysis samples.

Program Leadership:

• Supports management in the administration of program standards and procedures related to the operation and provision of services.
• Supports management in implementing changes in the program reflecting identified agency priorities and strategic plan.
• Serves as a lead to provide supervision and support to Community Support Specialists and direct care employees as assigned. Provides case management and community support training to direct care other employees as assigned.
• Supports the leadership team in recruiting, hiring and training new staff.
• Completes monthly data submission in accordance with contracting and agency procedures.
• Completes, submits, and monitors records based on fidelity or funding/contracting requirements.
• Notifies supervisor of any employee, environmental, and/or safety issues and generates work orders as needed.
• Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills, and reviews the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in agency policy.
• If applicable, participates in the On-Call coverage rotation, including in person coverage when needed.

Quality Assurance – Chart Documentation and Professional Development:

• Adheres to policies and practices as outlined in staff handbook and program operations manual.
• Consistently works in a respectful, constructive, and cooperative manner.
• Upholds all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and secures all necessary releases of information for outside communication.
• Models culturally competent behavior interacting with clients, providers, family, and fellow staff.
• Maintains accurate electronic records and case files as assigned and in accordance with programming, contractual, licensing, and accreditation requirements.
• Adheres to the standards of the Council on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
• Participates in agency committee work when available or as permitted.
• Completes all trainings as required per program contract and agency policy.
• Attends agency sponsored in-services, outside trainings, conferences and meetings to facilitate continued professional growth and ensure the quality of case management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in social services with experience in crisis management or outreach and engagement.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services field accepted with a minimum of 3-years’ experience in crisis management and/or outreach and engagement.
• Providing comprehensive case management and leadership activities. Master’s preferred with a minimum of 1-year experience.
• Prior experience working with people with persistent chronic mental illness and/or addiction.
• Valid Connecticut Driver’s license and reliable transportation to transport individuals, as needed.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• Proficient computer skills required, including Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping.
• Knowledge of the community support system and resources preferred.