Behavioral Health Specialist
AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. We envision a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. Our work focuses on advancing health equity, preventing new cases of HIV, serving as a collaboration and knowledge center, being a bold voice for change and strengthening our organizational excellence.
We are seeking an individual to serve as our Behavioral Health Specialist. The Behavioral Health Specialist provides innovative in-home behavioral health counseling services to individuals in AFC’s supportive housing programs. Utilizing harm reduction and trauma informed service delivery approaches, the Behavioral Health Specialist will provide mental health and substance use services to chronically ill formerly homeless individuals. The Behavioral Health Specialist will conduct clinical assessments and provide mental health and substance use services to program participants with a goal of maintaining housing stability and improving quality of life.
Principle functions and responsibilities of this position include the following:
Clinical Practice
- Interview and evaluate the behavioral health needs of program participants in their home by using a variety of assessment techniques and instruments; assess, and re-assess behavioral health needs of program participants;
- Develop individualized treatment plans for each program participant and update plans every six months;
- Provide intensive individual counseling to program participants at their level of understanding and acceptance;
- Conduct clinical assessments and provide counseling to clients when necessary;
- Provide crisis intervention services to clients;
- Coordinate referrals for behavioral health treatment; act as a liaison to community treatment programs;
- Facilitate communication with client’s Medicaid managed care health plan, care coordinator, primary care provider and/or psychiatrist to meet integrated health needs;
- Conduct and document intake assessments, program discharges, and referrals;
- Schedule all client visits; make reminder calls and organize electronic and hard copy calendar;
- Document assessment information as required in the program participants’ files; input information into data tracking system and on paper charts; ensure quality of counseling files.
- Assist with the implementation of the client Peer Support Group.
Program Support
- Implement counseling program procedures and clinical forms;
- Provide expertise to partner agency staff concerning behavioral health including substance use and mental health and treatment modalities;
- Provide consultation related to therapeutic needs for program participants partner agency staff (e.g., Case Managers, Supervisors);
- Train AFC and partner agency staff on behavioral health topics including substance use and mental health;
- Provide case-conferencing consultation at case manager request;
- Research and stay abreast of evidenced-based treatment modalities and interventions as well as assessment materials.
Other
- Assist with agency-wide activities as directed, including Annual Meeting, AIDS Run & Walk, World of Chocolate and others;
- Maintain and update job knowledge by participating in training and educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations;
- Protect organization's value and manage risk by keeping information confidential;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, Social Work or related field and 2 or more years of Human Services experience
PLUS 1 or more years of Behavioral Health counseling experience
PLUS Valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle insurance
PLUS Reliable vehicle transportation
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related field and 2 or more years of Human Services experience
2 or more years of Behavioral Health counseling experience
1 or more years of HIV-specific service experience
CADC, CRADC or MISA I certification
LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC or equivalent license
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Strong case management and the ability to assess client needs create care plans, and follow-up to address barriers and ensure care is continuous and comprehensive.
The ability to provide client support through home visits across the Chicagoland area and follow up with clients in a timely manner.
Documenting/Recording Information: The ability to enter, record, store, or maintain information in written or electronic form.
Knowledge of best practice approaches to mental health and substance use treatment. This includes the ability to apply a client-centered approach that considers individual diagnoses, psychosocial assessment, and environmental factors.
The ability to evaluate a person's mental health, social status, and functional capacity within the community.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to provide efficient, quality service to both internal and external clients.
Solid interpersonal skills along with the ability and willingness to respect and value the differences and perceptions of different groups/individuals.
Please reference position PRG BHS 501
Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees at AIDS Foundation Chicago are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes.