The MRSS Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) will provide mobile response and stabilization services to youth (age 2-20) and families who have called the crisis hotline with a family identified crisis. The MRSS Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS) will respond face-to-face (in person or via video conferencing) with another MRSS Team member to high risk crisis situations within an hour to assess the youth and stabilize the family.  After the initial 72 hours, the family will receive on-going stabilization and care coordination services from the MRSS QMHS and other members of the MRSS team in various community settings.  The team works to provide support – including education and consultation for parents and/or caregivers, case coordination, and symptom management and monitoring for up to 42 days.  Work hours are flexible, some evenings may apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
 

• Provide mobile response to a family identified crisis within one hour. 
• Engage youth and families in de-escalating the crisis and assess for risk.
• Facilitate hospitalization for clients as necessary.
• Assist with the completion of the CANS assessment and help develop a safety plan and a MRSS plan.
• Provide ongoing stabilization services with the youth and families for up to six weeks.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the clinical record through the timely completion of assigned documentation in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
• Respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information obtained during the client’s treatment according to HIPPA guidelines. All client-related documents should be handled in accordance with Agency guidelines on confidential material.
• Recognize the significance of the parent and/or caregiver in the client’s life and demonstrate the skills to engage the client, primary family, and other supportive adults in the treatment planning process.
• Accept assignment of cases from the supervisor to provide QMHS Services for clients, their families, and/or significant others as needed, including: community organizations, schools, other health and social service professionals, the justice system, and other agencies involved with the client.
• Provide QMHS Services including, but not limited to:
  • development/review of the client’s treatment plan.
  • crisis work – providing assistance and support in crisis situations.
  • support, including education and consultation for families and/or significant others regarding the client’s mental illness.
  • individual interventions.
  • symptom monitoring and self-management of symptoms.
  • assistance in increasing social support skills and networks.
  • coordination of necessary evaluations and assessments, including referral and linkage to other healthcare, behavioral health care, and non-health care services to avoid more restrictive levels of treatment.
  • coordination of all services identified on the client’s treatment plan.
  • necessary follow-up to determine if services are adequately meeting the needs of the client.
  • access to resources in the community.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Work a flexible work week which can include evenings and weekends.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and on-going training.
• All required trainings, certifications and licensure must be kept current in accordance with applicable licensing and accreditation regulations and standards.
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Minimum High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Licensure: After hire, must complete agency training needed for the Qualified Mental Health Specialist Certification.
• Skills: Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment. Core Expertise: Possesses skill, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential duties of their role; keeps knowledge up to date.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics.
• Interpersonal Communication: Communicates clearly using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills in a professional context; demonstrates clear understanding and use of professional language.
• Professional & Ethical Conduct: Adheres to professional values such as honesty, personal responsibility, and accountability; applies ethical concepts within scope of work and adheres to Agency policies and procedures.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Functions effectively as a member of a professional team that includes employees, clients and family members.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Recognizes problems and responds appropriately; gathers information and sorts through it to identify and address root cause issues; makes timely decisions.
• Experience: Minimum three (3) years of experience working with youth and families in a mental health setting.
• Other: First Aid and CPR training required and provided by agency.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the underwriter criteria of the Agency’s insurance company.  Must be approved by Applewood to transport clients in own vehicle.

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Applewood Centers, Inc. (“Applewood”) is a private, nonprofit agency providing mental health services, social services and education to children, adolescents and families living in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Dedicated to addressing a variety of behavioral, emotional and learning problems, we provide a continuum of care from outpatient counseling to residential treatment. Applewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applewood’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applewood also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.