Mental Health Coordinator

AKRON METROPOLITAN HOUSING AUTHORITY

Job Title: Mental Health Coordinator

Reports to: Assistant Director Resident Services

Department: Resident Services

Date: October 2023

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Minimum: $53,700

General Purpose:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide support to the Assistant Resident Services Director by conducting, monitoring, and providing feedback for mental and behavioral health issues primarily in the AMHA Elderly/Disabled buildings and other properties owned by AMHA as identified. The Mental Health Coordinator engages with and assesses residents to determine their needs and to provide useful resources and navigating the behavioral healthcare system. In addition, the Mental Health Coordinator is responsible for maintaining good working relationships with resident services and housing operations teams, local social service and provider organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Diagnose psychological, behavioral and emotional disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Provide short-term counseling to PHA residents, and assists in connecting them to long-term counseling services
• Develops case plans with residents individually, as a family, or with other responsible individuals, to help elderly and residents with disabilities remain in the least restrictive housing environment and remain independent. Reviews service plan and performs follow-up to determine quantity and quality of service provided to resident and status of resident’s case.
• Coordinates and/or conducts support groups to assist residents to reconnect with their communities and develop healthy coping skills.
• Accurately and consistently enters case notes and other required data (referrals, program participation tracking, milestones, etc.) in AMHA’s case management databases regarding new and existing clients; enters information into AMHA databases and spreadsheets as appropriate for various grants and reports as required by AMHA.
• Promotes use of program services that maximize residents’ capabilities and external resources to improve behavioral health and social functioning.
• Refers residents to appropriate supportive services, community agencies, and resources; provides linkages to resources such as: transportation, medical and mental health care, social interaction, legal, financial, and placement recommendations as necessary.
• Networks and forms relationships with other housing professionals and service providers in order to keep abreast of services and assistance available to residents. Ensures that others within AMHA are made aware of services and assistance options available to residents. Monitors services provided by outside agencies to ensure program is being delivered according to contracts.
• Partners with local community groups, social service organizations, and businesses to coordinate events for behavioral health trauma.
• Prepares correspondence, technical and status reports, etc., in a timely manner, to keep management informed of the progress of their cases.
• Communicates and collaborates with other Resident Services team members and Property Managers.
• Provides and coordinates training to PHA staff about recognizing signs of trauma and trauma-informed practice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies: This position requires incumbents to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Demonstrates customer friendly service and commitment to both internal and external customers (residents, general public, vendors, visitors and AMHA employees). Promptly provides professional and courteous service as required.

Communication/Interpersonal: Demonstrates clear, effective verbal and written communication skills. Informs others of relevant information on a timely basis. Builds positive and productive relationships with others. Maintains confidentiality and trust. Maintains ongoing professional dialogue with others regarding business matters.

Dependability/Work Habits: Arrives to work on a timely basis. Performs work accurately. Maintains satisfactory attendance. Follows instructions and completes tasks in a timely manner. If cannot complete task within required time, notifies appropriate person with alternate plan or assists with developing an alternate plan.

Teamwork: Willingly shares responsibility for work with co-workers, strives to accomplish team goals and objectives. Demonstrates flexibility in balancing job responsibilities and the ability to deal with change. Open to new ideas and approaches.

Job Competencies:

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity in the AMHA
• Knowledge of the applicable HUD rules and regulations as they pertain to public housing
• Comprehensive knowledge of resources for elderly and residents with disabilities that are available through community agencies
• Knowledge of the needs and attitudes of the physically, socially, and economically disadvantaged, particularly the elderly and mentally and physically disabled population, and ability to communicate with individuals of varying social, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Knowledge of database reporting
• Ability to exercise initiative, use sound judgment in analyzing situations, and make decisions in a timely manner
• Ability to present information, both orally and through writing, effectively and in a clear, concise, and convincing manner
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, visually attractive, and accurate reports, correspondence, instructions, training manuals, and other written materials
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex, and confidential issues and situations
• Ability to understand and practice the rules of confidentiality
• Proficient mathematical and statistical skills and ability to understand and interpret data reports and tracking
• Ability to assimilate information and present it in a concise, manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, officials, and the general public

Education, Experience and Certifications:

Master’s degree in social services or related field and 3-5 years of case management experience in a behavioral health, medical, social service or public housing organization primarily working with the elderly and individuals with disabilities is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. LISW or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor required. Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license and be insurable under AMHA’s policies.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills and be proficient in case management databases (or ability to be trained) and Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with Tenmast is desirable. Must be able to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 10 pounds.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

Office Environment

AMHA offers a culture committed to diversity, equity and inclusion; comprehensive compensation and benefits program including, but not limited to: Competitive salary; Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System; Excellent medical, free dental and vision plans with minimal out of pocket cost; Basic Life insurance; Fourteen paid holidays; Paid vacation, personal and sick plans.