Mental Health Counselor I - ICMS

This position will work as part of permanent supportive housing case management team. This position as part of the Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) to formally homeless individuals and families with chronic medical conditions and co-occurring disorders, who are high utilizers of the Department of Health Services (DHS) hospital and outpatient system.

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Case Manager ICMS Permanent Supportive Housing is responsible for providing individual case management to formerly homeless individuals and families utilizing a trauma informed approach.

ICMS Case Manager will perform specialized tasks including comprehensive case management services such as intake, housing applications, assessment, goal setting, monitoring and reassessment, life skills, counseling, individual benefit assistance, referrals and linkages to all tenants.

The ICMS Case Manager will document all tenant interactions and input that data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the CHAMP (DHS) database. JOB ID#36133A

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Work with a diverse client caseload of 20 clients experiencing many barriers including homelessness, complex trauma, medical, mental health and substance use.

Complete all housing applications and housing related paperwork with referred clients.

Ensure that each client on caseload has an up-to-date and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, and that this assessment is used in collaboration with the client to create individualized case management plans designed to improve quality of life and improved health outcomes.

Collaborate with each client to develop creative goal plans aimed at improving overall well-being and housing stability; review and update quarterly and upon completion of goals.

Facilitate independent living skills groups and activities geared toward maintaining housing and reducing likelihood of returning to homelessness.

Develop and maintain a complete, accurate, and current client file with all required documents and data in agency records and electronic databases.

Monitor clients’ behavior and provide interventions to ensure clients maintain housing stability in their PSH unit.

Document all client contacts in GIRPP format (Goal, Intervention, Response, Progress, Plan) and in accordance with Housing Department productivity expectations.

Coordinate with DHS and community partners to ensure clients are connected to primary health care and insurance to reduce need for emergency health care services.

Maintain confidentiality of client files per HIPAA and all applicable guidelines.

Responsible for coordinating appointments, transportation, and follow-up services for clients accessing primary health care, mental health care, recovery services, and other community resources.

Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients, with a focus on facilitating independence and maintenance of improved physical and mental health.

Assist in the screening, assessment, and enrollment of clients, including orientation to program policies, resources and goals.

Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of community resources and utilize them to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to clients.

Assist clients with becoming involved in daily activities, scheduling and attending appointments, budgeting, socialization, health maintenance, sense of community, and progress in recovery.

Work cooperatively and cohesively with other clients of the staff team, including participation in weekly staff meetings and staff trainings.