Behavioral Health Specialist

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides innovative in-home behavioral health counseling services to individuals in AFC’s supportive housing programs.  Utilizing harm reduction and trauma informed service delivery approaches, the Behavioral Health Specialist will provide mental health and substance use services to chronically ill formerly homeless individuals. The Behavioral Health Specialist will conduct clinical assessments and provide mental health and substance use services to program participants with a goal of maintaining housing stability and improving quality of life. 

The salary range for this role is $45,000 to $53,000.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Practice

• Interview and evaluate the behavioral health needs of program participants in their home by using a variety of assessment techniques and instruments; assess and re-asses behavioral health needs of program participants
• Develop individualized treatment plans for each program participant and update plans every six months                                                           
• Provide intensive individual counseling to program participants at their level of understanding and acceptance
• Conduct clinical assessments and provide counseling to clients when necessary
• Provide crisis intervention services to clients
• Coordinate referrals for behavioral health treatment; act as a liaison to community treatment programs
• Facilitate communication with client’s Medicaid managed care health plan, care coordinator, primary care provider and/or psychiatrist to meet integrated health needs
• Conduct and document intake assessments, program discharges, and referrals
• Schedule all client visits; make reminder calls and organize electronic and hard copy calendar
• Document assessment information as required in the program participants’ files; input information into data tracking system and on paper charts; ensure quality of counseling files
• Assist with the implementation of the client Peer Support Group

Program Support

• Implement counseling program procedures and clinical forms
• Provide expertise to partner agency staff concerning behavioral health including substance use and mental health and treatment modalities
• Provide consultation related to therapeutic needs for program participants partner agency staff (e.g., Case Managers, Supervisors)
• Train AFC and partner agency staff on behavioral health topics including substance use and mental health
• Provide case-conferencing consultation at case manager request
• Research and stay abreast of evidenced-based treatment modalities and interventions as well as assessment materials​​​​​​

Other

• Assist with agency-wide activities as directed, including Annual Meeting, AIDS Run & Walk, World of Chocolate and others
• Maintain and update job knowledge by participating in training and educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations
• Protect organization's value and manage risk by keeping information confidential
• Perform other duties as assigned

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assignment of duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION)
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, Social Work or related field and 2 or more years of Human Services experience
• PLUS 1 or more years of Behavioral Health Counseling experience
• PLUS Valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle insurance
• PLUS Reliable vehicle transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related field and 2 or more years of Human Services experience
• 2 or more years of Behavioral Health counseling experience
• 1 or more years of HIV-specific service experience
• CADC, CRADC or MISA I certification
• LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC or equivalent license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work with diverse constituents across a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to conduct client visits at their homes, across the Chicagoland area
• Ability to build and establish relationships 

Behavioral Health Specialist Chicago ,  IL (brt.mv)