Behavioral Health Specialist - CST

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a full-time position based in Fairview Heights, IL.

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides services to clients with mental health needs as well as individualized support for clients, following Medicaid Rule 132 and Rule 140. The individual in this position will provide team-based recovery and resiliency oriented, intensive, community-based mental health rehabilitation and outreach services to children and adults with complex behavioral health and social needs. The CST Behavioral Health Specialist will help program recipients achieve and maintain rehabilitative, resiliency and recovery goals with community-based support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts outreach to at-risk individuals for community support services and provides linkage to resources.
• Completes individualized, trauma-informed assessments, as required, used to inform treatment planning.
• Assists referred individuals to develop adaptive functionality in all areas of life that will facilitate their ability to remain in the community and minimize the risk of law enforcement involvement or hospitalization.
• Promotes clients’ ability to participate in decision-making and helps engage family members and/or other sources of support in the community to help the client reach their goals. Provides advocacy and psychoeducation for individuals referred for services.
• Works as a team member, provides and seeks the support of other team members and actively participates in clinical case staffing's or consultation as needed.
• works with the Clinical Supervisor to identify appropriate activities and resources to support clients.
• Documents case activities in a timely and thorough manner, including billing consistent with Medicaid rules.
• Attends trainings as identified by the agency and/or funders.
• Participates and supports additional community events as an organization representative.
• Must be certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and capable of performing crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques with fidelity to the TCI model. Expected to conduct TCI methods as required.
• Will actively seek to prevent behavioral crises, de-escalate crises as they occur and generally respond to crises in accordance with TCI guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to engage in activities and discussions with community leaders that foster program referrals.
•  Ability to engage youth, parents, and community leaders around difficult issues and topics.
•  Understanding of community needs and ability to analyze data about the service site.
•  Strong understanding of trauma and the impact on an individual, brain development, relationships, and functioning ability.
•  Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

•  Bachelor’s Degree required and preferred 2+ years of experience in human services field with children and adults struggling with behavioral health issues.
•  Preference will be given to individuals who have lived mental health or substance usage experience.
•  Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
•  Ability to receive a DCFS/CANTS Clearance.
• Must be at least 21 years of age. 

CARE & TCI 

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed. 

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance. 

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)