Summary:

The Residential Service Specialist position manages incoming referrals, daily client care services and comprehensive discharge plans. The purpose of the Service Specialist is to promote engagement and retention in treatment and facilitate an effective discharge plan whereby the individual successfully connects to the next level of care. The Service Specialist facilitates referral arrangements and coordination with aftercare.?This position collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team to support each client's individualized recovery program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a caseload not to exceed established program guidelines and based on needs of individuals actively engaged in services to ensure effective, individualized treatment, and rehabilitation.

• Screen incoming referrals for appropriateness in coordination with the Lead Clinician

• Where appropriate, communicate referral and intake status to referral sources and provide required correspondence, reports and data entry.

• Provide program orientation and program handbook to new clients.

• Complete consent forms and provide basic needs such as bedding and hygiene products.

• Complete applications for Medicaid, initial food stamp applications and re-authorizations and basic needs applications as required.

• Input all required documentation in Connecticut Renaissance's EHR accurately and timely.

• Provide clients with an orientation to and facilitate connections with recovery resources and community supports, including referrals to self-help programs for identified psychiatric, substance use and co-occurring disorders, as appropriate and for the continuation of appropriate treatment.

• Make referrals and provide assistance as needed for clients to gain access to other needed Medicaid SUD or mental health services.

• Collaborate with clients and their primary clinicians on the development of individualized aftercare plans to facilitate community reintegration and a seamless transition to the next appropriate level of care.

• Maintain knowledge of community-based ancillary or "wrap-around" services and develop new resources in order to facilitate sustainable community connections for clients.

• Facilitate psycho-educational (non-clinical) group sessions as assigned,

• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary team to support each client's individualized recovery program.

• Maintain on-site presence weekdays during 1st shift for at least 80% of the time.

• Perform daily tasks of the residential facility as assigned, including but not limited to medication monitoring, searches of persons/belongings, DSS communications, log book maintenance, COD coverage, completion of initial orientation paperwork and consents, and transportation assistance.

• Participate in all required internal and external meetings, including individual and group supervisions.

• Complete all internally and externally mandated trainings and development activities.

• Adhere to state and federal regulations, DSS and ASAM guidelines, and standards of accreditation, facility licensure and funding sources.

• Contribute to meeting or exceeding agency outcomes and performance measures.

• May perform other duties assigned by supervisor.

Required Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge Of:

• Electronic Healthcare Record systems.

• General office software, particularly Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability To:

• Engage and interact with program client population.

• Work effectively with representatives of referral sources and the courts.

• Analyze and solve problems effectively and efficiently.

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Manage priorities to meet deadlines and demonstrate multi-tasking skills.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum Associate's Degree in mental health, substance use, human services or criminal justice

• Experience within the criminal justice and/or behavioral health sectors.

• Experience in Residential Treatment programs a plus.

• Current Connecticut Drug & Alcohol Certification a plus.

Other:

• Must be ethical, self-motivated, and dependable/reliable.

• Must be able to work effectively with clients, staff, management personnel, and referral sources.

• Must be able to meet routine office physical demands including climbing stairs, carrying up to 20 pound objects and possessing the dexterity and vision to operate office computers and equipment.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• Must successfully complete the introductory probationary employment period.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.