Crisis Support Specialist (Full Time Evening)

Company: SMCN, Inc.
Location: Prince Frederick
Posted on: January 25, 2023

Job Description:

"Southern Maryland Community Network's mission is to form a partnership between people with mental health needs and their community to foster understanding, empowerment, integration, and enhanced quality of life."

Job Description

Position: Crisis Stabilization Specialist (CSS)

Department: Crisis Stabilization Program

Location: The Porter House

Reports To: Crisis Stabilization Program Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Program Overview:

The Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP) serves 5 Counties: Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's, Anne Arundel and Prince George's. The program provides a 24/7 home-like environment for male and female adults who are experiencing an acute crisis. The Crisis Stabilization Program responds to the needs of persons experiencing acute emotional, mental health and/or substance abuse crises that cannot be effectively managed in other less intensive programs. The 24/7 environment allows for a quick triage based on the individuals needs so the program can engage them safely into care. The Crisis Stabilization Program utilizes a person-centered approach and collaborative decision making process while developing a crisis stabilization plan for each person served with the goal of stabilizing the acute crisis and managing an effective transition to appropriate services/programs following discharge. A variety of treatment services and structured therapeutic activities are available to meet the individual needs of the person served. Through various observation and monitoring activities the program ensures the safety of the environment for the persons served and personnel. The Crisis Stabilization Program offers a calm, welcoming environment that maintains the dignity of the persons served.

Hours of Employment:

Hours of employment are varied based on the group home which operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The specific shift hours are set by the Program Coordinator. Crisis Stabilization Specialists are considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work as scheduled on holidays or during inclement weather. The CSS may be required to work evenings, weekends, and overnights to assist persons served in a 24/7 environment.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma/GED required, preferably supplemented by other course work in Psychology or experience in mental health or the human services field. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related disciplines is preferred. Additional experience must consist of at least one (1) year in direct service. Relevant work experience within the human services field may be substituted for the above qualifications.

Requirements and Abilities:

Possess a current and valid driver's license.
A clean driving record with no more than two points.
Ability to pass a criminal background investigation.
Ability to provide a TB shot record on an annual basis.
Ability to provide a physical examination certificate every five years stating the employee is capable of fulfilling the physical demands of the job.
Ability to abide by Program and Agency policies and procedures.
Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.
Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft programs including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with all employees, persons served and community agencies.

Americans with Disability Specifications (Physical Demands):

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions so long as it does not pose a financial hardship to the agency. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit for a long period of time, bend, kneel, stoop, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Employee must be able to drive which involves sitting, sight, hearing, turning hands and head and good road decision making concepts. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employees must be able to navigate the physical environment in which the people receiving services live and work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities may include the following, but are not limited to:

Provides a supportive and inclusive environment in which persons served can stabilize.
Complete or assist in completing a crisis-focused assessment upon admission.
Assist persons served with the daily living skills and goals based on their individual crisis stabilization plan.
Collaborates with community partners, resources, natural supports, appropriate programs and other services to promote stabilization of the persons served.
Complete required forms and documentation to ensure compliance in the persons served medical record.
Complete staff log to promote open communication and document house activities.
Demonstrate continuous vigilance regarding safety of the environment for the persons served and personnel.
Provides the persons served access to nutritious meals and snacks based on their dietary needs.
Arrange counseling or therapeutic services to the persons served based on their needs.
Provides a written daily schedule of activities for the persons served that contributes to their well being.
Provides follow up contact with the person served 48 hours after discharge to ensure well being and gather information regarding the success of the transition.
Completes all assigned competency-based training to ensure compliance.
Ensures CPR, First Aid, and CPI trainings are up to date.
Documentation of current medications and adherence to dosage for persons served.
Performs screening tasks to ensure referrals are appropriate for entrance into the Crisis Stabilization Program.
Assists in planning and coordinating all rehabilitation activity, including self care skills, mediation monitoring, health promotion and safety, communicable disease prevention and coping skills.
Communicates openly with the Program Coordinator on the status of individuals, including issues or concerns. Communicates with Program Coordinator of any household/staff issues that may arise.
Performs household cleaning tasks as listed within home while ensuring that house is maintained to meet regulations.
Performs routine fire drills/vehicle check list and forward information to the Program Coordinator. Check all fire drill logs and ensure compliance.
Adheres to good ethical practices and abide by the established professional boundaries with persons served, community resources and co-workers alike.
Promotes Southern Maryland Community Network services while developing and maintaining positive relationships with individuals, groups, and businesses in the community at all times.
Uses appropriate and effective communication skills to build a rapport with the individuals while recognizing and adapting to their needs.
Employees are expected to demonstrate cultural awareness by not discriminating against persons served or co-workers based on their race; gender; religious preference; sexual orientation; etc.
Works within the guidelines of HIPAA, and the SMCN confidentially agreement to protect the person's served privacy.
Participate in Clinical Coordination meetings by collaborating with other SMCN departments in regards to persons served barriers and progress.
Provides prompt, dependable and courteous transportation services persons served as needed to appointments and/or community outings.
Maintains company vehicles and reports any unusual occurrences while immediately informing the appropriate authority of any incidents, accidents or deficiencies.
Properly uses all technology including desk top computers, lap tops, phones, facsimile, and cell phones within the confines of the SMCN Employee Handbook.
Promotes a positive work environment within the house and the other departments within SMCN.
Attends all meetings and trainings as scheduled and as directed.
Employees are expected to contribute to agency fundraisers by volunteering at events or sitting on the Development Committee.
Employees are expected to help SMCN create a healthy and safe work environment by participating on the Health and Safety Committee.
All other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator.

Job Description Acknowledgement:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of this position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification and addition as deemed necessary by SMCN. Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments required by SMCN. This job description does not constitute an employment contract between SMCN and any employee. The job responsibilities of this position may include cross-training in other functions to ensure satisfactory operation.

I have read the above job description, and understand its contents. By signing below I agree I understand what is expected of me and can comply with all requirements of this position.

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Keywords: SMCN, Inc., Alexandria , Crisis Support Specialist (Full Time Evening), Other , Prince Frederick, Virginia