Under the direction of the Chief Clinical Officer and within federal, state, and local guidelines, the First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Program Manager oversees the team and is responsible for a number of direct Client services. FEP is a grant funded Coordinated Specialty Care program through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This program uses a team-based, person-centered, and recovery-oriented approach to help Clients manage not only their psychiatric symptoms, but also to help them achieve success in other areas of life such as education and employment. The FEP program serves Denton County residents between the ages of 15-30 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis symptoms starting within the past 2 years. The FEP Team caseload is 20-30 Clients who are all cared for by the interdisciplinary team.

The FEP Team Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the 2 QMHP positions, peer support specialist, and the family partner in this program as well as providing programming guidance for the other partially dedicated staff on the interdisciplinary team. FEP Program Manager is also responsible for providing counseling, case management, intake, and supportive services to consumers in the FEP program. Responsibilities include planning and linking needs to community resources and following up with referral sources to ensure identified needs are addressed; development, and provision of Rehab skills training to facilitate community integration as needed. This position will also be responsible for community outreach and data collection to meet requirements of various grants. This position is responsible for training new FEP staff. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Minimum of a Master's degree in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work (LMSW-ACP), or other human services field that meets the requirements of Licensed Professional of Healing Arts (LPHA) preferred. Must have a Bachelor's degree in human science field with a minimum of one (1) year of mental health experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years case management experience preferred. One year of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and crisis experience preferred. Previous supervisory experience highly preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Licensure to qualify as a Licensed Professional of Healing Arts (LPHA) preferred.
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and 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 and ongoing compliance with annual training requirements is required.
• This position requires the individual to maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.
• The position requires adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of 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.
• Ability to perform the techniques of PMAB (Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviors). Training will be provided.
• ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Training will be provided.
• Knowledge of causes and treatment of mental illness and related conditions.
• This position requires the individual to maintain a calm and efficient demeanor during crisis situations.
• This position requires the individual to have the ability to organize one's time and prioritize responsibilities which would enable one to complete all duties as assigned.
• Qualified candidates will hold an honest belief that community intervention is, except on rare occasions, the most beneficial to the individual in the long term.
• Qualified candidates will have the ability to identify and access the most viable treatment option for a variety of individuals.
• Individuals who may be most successful in this position may be those who enjoy working with a younger population (ages 15-30) are flexible in viewing mental illness from perspectives other than the medical model, can utilize patience in teaching new skills and providing psych education, and those that enjoy diversity in work settings and tasks. Individuals who adapt well to change and inconsistent scheduling may appreciate and find this position exciting and best suited to their personalities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to perform the techniques of PMAB (Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviors).
• Must be able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Must have knowledge of causes and treatment of mental illness and related conditions.
• Ability to maintain a calm and efficient demeanor during crisis situations.
• Ability to organize one's time and prioritize responsibilities which would enable one to complete all duties as assigned.
• An honest belief that community intervention is, except on rare occasions, the most beneficial to the individual in the long term.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. This position will be the primary supervisor of 2 full-time QMHP positions, 1 part-time peer support specialist, and 1 part-time family partner.
2. From time to time, this position may need to provide guidance and leadership for other partially dedicated staff who are part of the FEP interdisciplinary team.
3. Timely completion of staff supervision and evaluations.
4. Timely management of timesheets and payroll responsibilities.
5. Training of new staff.
6. Facilitation of weekly team meetings, including preparation of agenda and leading staffing discussions.
7. Consistent dedication to staff recognition and staff self-care.
8. Leadership of outreach and referral for FEP team both internally within the center as well as in the community.
9. Timely response to all referral requests interested in FEP services.
10. Responsible for timely and accurate quarterly reporting of fidelity measures for primary CSC grant as well as any additional grants requiring fidelity reporting.
11. Responsible for data collection, reporting, and overall management of smaller grants contributing to the FEP budget.
12. Responsible for engaging with the larger statewide and regional FEP community of providers by attending regular meetings, webinars, and conferences.
13. Completion of new intakes, aftercares, and modified intakes.
14. Completion of all administrative duties related to procurement and gas cards and administrative duties related to maintenance and updating of program technology, equipment, and supplies.
15. Continuous evaluation of programing needs and improvement opportunities.
16. Perform additional duties as deemed necessary by department supervisor within designated timeframes.
17. Maintain on call rotation schedule that includes the program manager and full-time QMHP staff.
18. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.
19. Assists individuals served during a crisis episode by ensuring they are linked to appropriate Center programs (MCOT, Psych Triage, CPT, etc.).
20. Remains with individuals experiencing a crisis as needed.
21. Completes CSSRS Since Last Visit at each contact with individuals served to determine risk level and ensure appropriate referrals.
22. Openly ask questions regarding Suicide to ensure accurate and thorough information is obtained.
23. Provides additional support to individuals identified as at higher risk for suicide.
24. Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
25. Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
26. Debriefs with direct and indirect reports when there is a suicide death of an individual served or Center staff.
27. It is critical that the Program Manager understand that they are held to a higher level of integrity than general staff. The FEP Program Manager is expected to always maintain confidentiality of Center business. This position is expected to exhibit loyalty, honesty, and integrity to the individuals served, and staff.
    1. A Confidentiality statement has been included:
28. The Program Manager position will maintain all confidential information received at Denton County MHMR Center and will hold all confidential information in the strictest confidence and will exercise absolute care to prevent disclosure to others. This position will not disclose or divulge either directly or indirectly confidential information to others, unless they are first authorized to do so by their supervisor or designated party. As such, the Program Manager will be responsible for adhering to the following:
    1. The Program Manager will not divulge any information directly or indirectly that the Program Manager has been privileged to.
29. The Program Manager will work with executive-level staff in a cooperative, confidential, and loyal manner and will maintain loyalty to the agency mission.
30. The Program Manager will be responsible for aiding in the betterment of staff and helping them achieve success. At no time will the Program Manager be allowed to insight chaos and discord amongst staff.
31. The Program Manager will ensure a confidential approach to the release or distribution of information from executive staff as appropriate.
32. The Program Manager will manage and develop direct-report staff in a manner consistent with mission driven performance and loyalty to agency direction and decisions, guiding their confidential practices as well.

CASE MANAGEMENT/SKILLS TRAINING/CBT COUNSELING:

1. Connect Clients to and ensuring communication of needs with all other COMPASS Team providers including the Supported Employment and Education Specialist, Peer Specialist, Certified Family Partner, Nurse, and Psychiatrist.
2. Works as liaison between client and community providers and advocates for Clients as needed, both in Center services and with other community agencies.
3. Complete and update all necessary documentation to ensure continued enrollment of Clients in Level of care.
4. Meet with Clients to identify recovery plan goals and objectives.
5. Follow up with Clients, on a regular basis, to aid them in achieving their recovery plan goals and objectives. This aid may come in the form of accountability, finding and connecting Clients to community resources, education regarding diagnosis and symptom management, and specific skills training.
6. Aid in identifying and alleviating barriers to achieving recovery plan goals and objectives.
7. Provide skills training in a variety of areas including coping skills, activities of daily living, independent living, life management skills, communication, etc...
8. Take extra steps in helping Clients connect with community resources, which may include help in filling out applications, attending appointments, and following up to resolve barriers to obtaining resources.
9. Ongoing research and updating of additional resources in the community and within the center to build a referral network.
10. Establish and maintain relationships with Client families and support system.
11. Work collaboratively with treatment team to monitor symptoms and assess for risk on a continuous basis.
12. Refer Clients to Mobile Crisis Outreach team when reports of risk reach threshold. Maintain contact and support with Clients during times of crisis and crisis treatment.
13. Provide transportation to Clients to and from appointments.
14. Aid Clients in appropriate discharge planning and connection to the succeeding providers.
15. Upkeep various electronic information tracking systems to ensure program fidelity markers are met.
16. Duties expected to be done under moderate supervision.
17. Staff is encouraged to meet Clients in the community as much as possible and at least once quarterly.
18. Provide CBT Individual counseling services to Clients enrolled in FEP program.
19. Provide skills training in areas specific to employment and education to provide coverage for the Supported Employment and Education Specialist.

All Denton County Staff have the following additional duties:

1. Successful completion of all initial and ongoing staff development training as required for position.
2. Completion of all Client documentation via electronic record system within 2 days of event.
3. Maintaining acceptable driving record as required for DCMHMR insurance.
4. Training in and adherence to the Trauma Informed Care Practices adopted by Denton County MHMR.