Mental Health Social Practitioner - On Ramps Program

POSITION SUMMARY

Fountain House On-Ramps Program is an innovative program aimed to connect to, build trusting relationships with, and support individuals with serious mental illness who have backgrounds in homelessness and/or criminal justice involvement. Being informed by and utilizing the therapeutic tools of Social Practice, one goal of the program is to develop unique mechanisms of "outreach" through Pocket Social Environments like the Recharge Station in Times Square and support individuals with addressing their needs in order to successfully "on ramp" to clubhouse community involvement or any other programs or activities that will lead them towards their recovery journey.

The On-Ramps Program Social Practitioner role is focused on developing genuine relationships with individuals in need coming to the On Ramps Office and the Recharge Station as well as individual members wanting to be involved in the work, building a sense of community and engaging in social practice and design to create a collaborative working environment. Part of this role includes assisting individuals experiencing housing crises and other case management needs as well as helping to manage the operations of the Recharge Station.

Full-time (40 hours)

$30.58 per hour

DC-37

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop trusting, strong, genuine, and mutual relationships with those in need.
• Create and support an environment in the On Ramps Program that supports intentional social practice.
• Perform all relevant elements of Mental Health Social Practice such as member engagement, social design, relationship development, continuous assessment and therapeutic intervention.
• Support and contribute to the development of a therapeutic community based on Social Practice principles.
• Observe and assess experiences with members in a variety of naturalistic environments in order to create specific interventions for individuals' rehabilitation.
• Engineer various environments and social interactions to create therapeutic results and develop accessible positive community.
• Continuously assess individual readiness to transition from intensive On Ramps supports to community supports offered in the Clubhouse program.
• Assist individuals engaged in the On Ramps program transition successfully to the Clubhouse community.
• Provide daily advocacy and engagement with members to help gain self-worth, purpose of confidence, while offering guidance for appropriate problem-solving techniques
• Assist members with entitlements and benefits; food stamps, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid/Medicare and ticket to Work/ACE/Access VR, Supplemental Need Trusts, & ADA accommodations
• Facilitates supported housing applications (2010E), Single Point of Access applications and work to find appropriate housing; assist members with physical moves into housing units
• Advocate for members well-being, safety, and livelihood with support around clinical, legal, housing, appointments, medications, and independent living opportunities
• Engage in activities that address housing, food insecurities, financial benefits, health insurance, and connections to primary and mental health care.
• Operationalize work within On Ramps Program that engages not only the On Ramps guests but also the existing members of the clubhouse to get involved.
• Work collaboratively with other support staff internally and externally to ensure individually receive comprehensive care
• In a timely manner identified by program standards and expectations, document all outreach, engagement, and support activities in a database or EHR system.
• Represent On Ramps in internal community forums.
• Present experiences in the work of On Ramps to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous evaluation of the On Ramps Program effectiveness.
• Demonstrate the ability and passion to serve high-needs populations.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated competency in written, verbal, and computational skills to present and document records in accordance with program standards.
• Expertise in Medicaid, Medicare, Public Assistance, Social Security, and other entitlement systems.
• Expertise in NYC MH and HRA Housing application process.
• Specialized skills and experience in Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Cultural Competency, Mental Health Supports, Substance Use/Misuse Supports.
• Excellent interpersonal and conversational skills required.
• Ability and willingness to regularly travel using public transportation throughout the boroughs and have flexibility in hourly/weekly schedule.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office - Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude in providing exemplary customer service
• Ability to work independently and to conduct assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND CREDENTIALS:

• Graduate degree in a mental health related field required but will consider an Undergraduate degree and an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in mental health work.
• Clubhouse model knowledge and/or experience a major plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Due to the nature of the work and the population we engage, there may be occasions where employee may be required to be outside during inclement weather.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.