"Mental Health Specialist III at Collingswood Residential"

Position Summary

Rutgers The State University is seeking a Mental Health Specialist III in the Residential of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare. The primary purpose of the Mental Health Specialist III is to ensure the safety of residents and assist them in carrying out activities of daily living.

Key Duties

• Provides direct care services to individuals served in compliance with all policies and regulations.
• Assumes individual service coordination responsibilities for individuals served.
• Provides input into the development of the Individualized Rehabilitation Plan (IRP).
• Coordinates with supervisor and residential staff to implement the IRP interventions.
• Engages individuals served in appropriate interventions based on IRP and supervisory directive.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing approach to engage individuals served and provides services and interventions that promote the individuals strengths, and that develop their independence and sense of autonomy.
• Responds with sensitivity to spiritual, cultural, and socioeconomic issues of consumer/residents.

Minimum Education and Experience

Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in the mental health field or two (2) years of college majoring in a relevant social or health care field plus one (1) year of full-time experience in the mental health field.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Walks and climbs stairs. Transport of individuals to community appointments, and activities (clinical/medical appointments, recreational activities, shopping, banking, self-help meetings, etc.). Lifts up to 20 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 24-hour responsibility for residential services for adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, forensic histories, and drug/alcohol abuse with history of homelessness, forensic involvement and co-occurring medical issues. Intense work environment with ongoing crisis assessment and intervention. Position demands constant attention to multiple programmatic needs. Exposure to infestations and blood borne pathogens possible that requires use of personal protective equipment.

Special Conditions

Must be able to travel to meetings and scattered program locations throughout the week. Holiday, evening, weekend and overnight availability required. Must possess own vehicle to outreach individuals served and attend internal and external meetings.