Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA) recognizes the value of and employs people with lived experience and believes strongly in Recovery and a Culture of Gentleness. To this end, this position requires a commitment to creating and maintaining a culture that “Expects Recovery” and “Encourages Gentleness.”

This position requires a young adult, age 18-26, with lived experience who received mental health services as a youth. Will work under the direction of the Operations Manager for Child and Family Services and in conjunction with the Child and Family Services Team to support youth empowerment, assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life, and working collaboratively with others involved in delivering the youth’s care. Will work with the youth and the youth’s service providers to meet needs as identified in the IPOS, with the goals being mutually identified in active collaboration with the youth receiving services. Engages the youth in services to support and assist the youth with community integration, improving family relationships and resolving conflicts, and making transition to adulthood. Provides services in home and/or community.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS (listing Position Specific functions first):

  • Work within NLCMHA’s child and family provider team to ensure that services are provided consistent child and family needs, and agency, program and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) identified service system needs.
  • Work with a multi-disciplinary team to develop safety and support plans for those experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • Complete documentation of all job tasks as identified.
  • Provide interventions as part of the treatment team to enable the youth improve family relationships, resolve conflicts, integrate into the community, assist with transition to adulthood, community integration, as identified in the Individual Plan of Service (IPOS).
  • Empower youth to obtain community resources and increase confidence and competence, assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life.
  • Serve as example and mentor. Is non-judgmental, encouraging and instills hope.
  • Learn youth’s story, culture, strengths and concerns.
  • Is knowledgeable about NLCMHA services, guidelines and regulations and provides information to youth.
  • Use experience and knowledge to expand opportunities for choice and voice in services for child and family.
  • Build partnerships with youth, parents and professionals, promotes mutual respect.
  • Work directly with youth in their home and community, implementing the specific aspect of the IPOS or treatment intervention. Meets MDCH provider qualifications and follows relevant guidelines (e.g. within Medicaid regulations). Maintains relevant training requirements.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the mental health field by reading books, journals and other relevant materials.
  • Use a family driven, youth guided approach to collaborate with children and their families in assessing their needs and identifying resources needed to overcome challenges and prevent them from reoccurring.
  • Must be able to work with intangible information, uncertainties or missing information to assess and consider in the course of linking and coordinating treatment.
  • This position is expected to utilize complex interpersonal and communication skills on a frequent basis. This includes group services and formal presentations.
  • Services provided will occur in the office or community setting, including the home environment.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FUNCTIONS:

  • May represent NLCMHA on internal/external committees or work groups to enhance service delivery and development and quality of care, including Quality Improvement activities.
  • May participate in community education/community youth activities.
  • May receive and assist in resolving complaints or inquiries related to services provided by NLCMHA.

 

GENERAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Set priorities and make decisions, which reflect consistency with NLCMHA’s mission statement, goals, values, policies and procedures.
  • Provide services and conduct tasks in accordance with terms/conditions required by the funding source, i.e., Northern Michigan Regional Entity (NMRE Contract), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) CMHSP Master Contract and with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Participate in approved staff development activities, in-services and supervisory sessions.
  • Maintain confidentiality and develop a trusting rapport with consumers, families/guardians, staff and the general public.
  • Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes a positive work atmosphere.
  • Perform duties in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Maintain up-to-date documentation/records/reports as applicable for position performance accountability.
  • Adjust work schedule, with supervisory approval, to meet consumer and/or NLCMHA needs.
  • Maintain an awareness to provide a safe and healthy environment and will report all hazards and/or concerns.
  • Accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor, consistent with the accomplishment of NLCMHA’s goals and objectives and the functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the job description if they involve a lengthy commitment of time or are ongoing.
  • Advise supervisor if actual practice (activity) begins to deviate significantly from specified essential functions.      

 

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:

  • Ages 18 through 26.
  • Youth with lived experience who received mental health services as a youth.
  • Youth who is willing to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving behavioral health services and is prepared to use that experience in helping others.
  • Youth who has experience receiving services as a youth in complex, child serving systems preferred (behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education, etc.).
  • Able to relate and socially interact, communicate with and engage others.
  • Able to partner with youth, families, professionals, community in order to plan and implement services and training.
  • Able to integrate own experience when it is helpful.
  • Support youth strengths in problem solving and solution seeking.
  • Demonstrate comfort working with people having different life experiences and from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures.
  • Maintain a respectful, non-judgmental attitude toward all.
  • Have a good written, verbal and listening skill.
  • Knowledgeable of community resources.
  • Basic computer competency.
  • Accept direction, guidance and assignments of the supervisor and the treatment team.

 

LICENSING or CERTIFICATIONS:

Must complete full certification training based on the MDHHS requirements within 1 year of hire date of the position.

        

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Must possess a High School Diploma and/or GED and demonstrate proof if requested.

Must have computer skills.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Basic knowledge of the Mental Health Code, and the structure, guidelines and services of NLCMHA.
  • Uphold NLCMHA’s professional Code of Ethics, in addition to maintaining current appropriate State licensure/registration and standards where applicable.
  • Must possess professional knowledge, consistent with license or registration and demonstrate throughout employment practice equal to acceptable professional standards.
  • Ability to communicate, understand and carry out oral and written directions effectively in English and clearly present information both orally and in writing on a level suitable for public groups.
  • Learn community resources and identify procedures required to use a wide range of services.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships and productively serve as a member of a team with employees and the public plus have the ability to deal with problems courteously and tactfully.
  • Ability to work effectively with employees of other agencies, Board members, advisory groups, committees, professional organizations and the public.
  • Skill in advocating on behalf of consumers, families/guardians and NLCMHA with the community at large.
  • Must have a working telephone, possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License, have a good driving record, automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.
  • Must be willing to transport agency consumers, including in own personal vehicle when necessary.

1920-42H