General Description

Under the direction of the Program Manager of ACT Services and within federal, state and local guidelines provides moderately complex case management services to individuals with persistent mental illness. Work involves developing and maintaining long-term contact with individuals, individual’s families/guardians, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs. This position will also provide some oversight of team functions and assist the program managers and administrator/director with some administrative duties. The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team Lead is part of a program responsible for providing treatment, rehabilitation, case management, recovery, and support services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and who have a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, criminal history, homelessness, etc. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

NOTE:

• This position allows for an opportunity to make administrative decision in preparation for a management role if desired.
• This position is flexible with school hours as needed and coordinate with Program Manager.
• Staff in this role will have the ability to create and develop ideas to build moral between ACT staff
• This position is community based and allows for staff to work with clients in an environment they are comfortable with, on their recovery goals.
• This position allows for sessions to be person focused and has the ability to enhance counseling, group facilitation and clinical decision-making of staff.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in human services field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) preferred and two (2) years prior experience in a mental health field with six months experience as case manager required. Master’s Degree in a human services field, previous community and crisis experience preferred. English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Individual qualifies as a Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
• All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire.
• The position requires a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.
• This position requires knowledge of causes and treatment of mental illness and related conditions.
• The position requires adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of Texas Human and Health Services (HHSC) and DCMHMR. Other specific laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines which must be followed include: Medicaid Rehabilitation Standards, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and Specifications of Performance Contracts with HHSC.
• Active license through the state of Texas as a: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance. 
• Individuals with an out of state driver’s license must be able to obtain a driver’s license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources, of case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods; and of program policies and procedures.
• Ability to assess individuals’ needs, coordinate individuals’ services, to monitor program effectiveness, to communicate effectively, and to train others.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center’s Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

Below is a list of essential duties of the position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.
  • Staff will attend daily ACT team meetings as scheduled and sign in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
  • If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.
  • Attends treatment team meetings with other community agencies in the community as needed.
•  Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
  • Maintains professional boundaries.
  • Interacts with center staff, individuals served, and community members in a professional manner.
• Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
•  Provides Case Management and/or rehabilitation services in a team-based environment.
  • Provides supported employment, supported housing, budgeting, case management as appropriate to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness approved for services as defined in Texas Resilience and Recovery (TRR) guidelines.
• Completes community base visits per minimum monthly contact.
  • Services are provided in an environment where the individual feels most comfortable and/or where the service would naturally take place.
• Ensures each individual served is provided services as required by the level of care assignment for each month.
  • Maintains contact standards as defined in TRR guidelines.
  • Ensures that all individuals on their caseload have met the minimum and average hours as specified by HHSC.
• Performs and completes Adults Needs and Strength Assessment (ANSA) as needed, taking into consideration the needs viewed by consumer, ACT Interdisciplinary Team, family members, and other service providers.
  • All individuals have an ANSA completed within 14 days of coming into ACT services and is updated as needed and at a minimum of every 6 months.
  • Meets with individuals coming into ACT at their initial appointment and helps to identify goals and treatment needs based on ANSA and views of consumer, providers, and family members as needed.
• Develops comprehensive Recovery Plans and coordinates Recovery Plan meetings to address assessed needs.
  • All persons have a comprehensive Recovery Plan which addresses individual needs, personal strengths, natural supports, staff interventions, community service agencies, goals, and objectives.
  • Recovery Plan is reviewed as needed and updated at minimum of every 3 months.
• Facilitates and/or co-facilitates treatment groups to assigned persons as needed.
• Provides transportation for individuals as needed.
• Is familiar with all applicable TAC, ACT fidelity tools and HHSC contract information and Center policies and procedures.
  • All documentation is completed within two business days.
  • Skills training notes include fidelity words.
  • ·All documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Center and HHSC guidelines.
  • All service note corrections are entered within two business days.
• Ensures individuals charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.
  • Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.
  • All paperwork will be signed in black ink with credentials and date.
• Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary according to HHSC and Center policies and procedures.
  • Participates in weekday nights and weekend 24-hour ACT on call rotation.
• Is able to work in a team setting and provide support and assistance to other ACT team members as needed.
• All assignments given are completed in a timely manner.
• Assists with monitoring work performance of ACT team members and relays information to program manager.
• Staff will be able to identify and discuss client barriers to success.
• May coordinate Recovery Plan meetings with ACT team members, individuals, services providers, collaterals, etc…as needed.
• Demonstrates the ability to network effectively with community partners and will interact in an ethical and professional manner within the Center and community.
• Participates in street/homeless outreach as needed.
• Assists with monthly supervision of ACT staff upon request of program manager.
• Provide informal/group counseling to assigned persons as needed.
• Utilizes screening review tool to provide feedback/corrections to team members.
• Communicates feedback to program manager.
• Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.
• Participates in the Center’s Zero Suicide Initiative
  • Assists individuals served during a crisis episode by completing triages or crisis assessments to determine a least restrictive environment.
  • Remains with individuals experiencing a crisis as needed.
  • Completes CSSRS Since Last Visit at each contact with individuals served to determine risk level and ensure appropriate referrals.
• Openly ask questions regarding Suicide to ensure accurate and thorough information is obtained.
  • Provides additional support to individuals identified as at higher risk for suicide.
• Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
• Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
  • Debriefs with direct and indirect reports when there is a suicide death of an individual served or Center staff.
• Completes other duties as assigned.