Outreach Specialist ACT

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in psychology/social work with a preference of 1-2 years prior experience.  Case managers should demonstrate a good understanding of human behavior, mental illness, psychiatric rehabilitation, treatment, recovery, family systems and the social, rehabilitation and health care systems.  The Outreach Specialist must also demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.   Experience and education requirements may be waived, in certain instances, as defined in state rules.  The Outreach Specialist must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to demonstrate a "clean" driving record.  CPR/First Aid training is recommended. NH State Defensive Driving training is available but not required for staff who do not operate agency vehicles. 

Psychopharmacology, legal issues/client rights/ethics, family supports/natural supports/social role valorization, crisis intervention, clinical documentation.

Outreach Specialists provide Functional Support Services (FSS) to eligible adults and their families as assigned by the team.  FSS are most effective when provided in the community, and as such most of the Outreach Specialist’s time is spent with clients out of the office. 

2. Outreach Specialists provide Targeted Case Management (TCM) services to assist adults eligible under He-M 401 in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational and other services on and one to one basis.  Targeted Case management services shall be limited to the following:

·       Assessment and periodic reassessment of an eligible individual to determine service needs

·       Development and periodic revisions of a specific and comprehensive care plan

·       Referrals and related activities

·       Monitoring of care plan and other follow-up activities related to the care plan

3. To interested consumers, Outreach Specialists also provide the evidence-based practice, Illness Management and Recovery (IMR). This curriculum-based recovery-oriented service may be provided individually or in a group setting. All Outreach Specialists must meet the Bureau of Behavioral Health’s training requirements to effectively provide Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) services to interested consumers. New Outreach Specialists must participate in 16 hours of IMR Basic Skills training within the first 6 months of their employment. Outreach Specialists must obtain 8 hours of continuing education in an IMR area of study annually thereafter. These credentialing requirements must be maintained in order for clinicians to provide the service.

4.  The Outreach Specialist will actively participate with the Team Leader and team members to establish team recovery goals, parameters, and services which contribute to the team increasing positive client outcomes.  The Outreach Specialist will also assist the Team Leader, team members and other staff within SMHC to meet the mission of Adult Services and the agency and keep up-to-date on required clinical paperwork.

5.  The Outreach Specialist will meet the clinical performance standards as developed by the agency.

6.  An Outreach Specialist is responsible for a wide variety of activities.  S/he must be eclectic in nature, and able to concentrate on identifying and addressing the individual needs of people with mental illness, and develop a positive, supportive relationship with clients, their families and other caregivers. 

7.  The Outreach Specialist must be able to make an accurate needs assessment, and document these needs and goals into a coherent treatment and recovery plan.  Outreach Specialists must also document each contact with, or on behalf of, a client, do periodic summary reviews and treatment plan modifications in a timely fashion.

8.  The Outreach Specialist will provide, plan and monitor services in a manner that preserves the client's dignity and builds on the client's independent functioning.  A central part of this work is building and structuring a "natural" support system with family, friends, neighbors, organizations, and other groups or individuals who wish to be involved and helpful.

9.  Occasionally, Outreach Specialists may need to work a flexible schedule to ensure continuity of care and optimal support services.

Seacoast Mental Health Center, Inc. offers a generous compensation package including paid time off, health and dental plans, retirement account match, etc. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value the diversity of our community.