Provides outreach, engagement and educational services to individuals in marginalized communities, related to mental well-being, mental health crisis, how to access assistance during a mental health crisis. Serve as consultant/liaison to others with linkages to treatment, referrals, advocacy, support and educational resources/materials. Ability to discuss mental health crisis issues and treatment options. Organize/participate in community health fairs, community awareness raising activities. Assists the Mental Health Crisis System of Care team with suggestions for how to develop messages, services that will be more likely to be understood and utilized by marginalized individuals, families and communities.

Trains MBH Crisis Response colleagues in approaches that are more likely to be received as helpful and beneficial to persons (and their natural supports) in crisis. Be part of team that provides training/education to community groups/volunteers in helping others with mental health concerns and using information gleaned to inform system improvement.

Employee will adhere to the Memorial Health System (MHS) Code of Conduct, the MHS Ethics and Corporate Compliance Plan, MBH policies and procedures, as well as performance standards established by the governing board/administration and accrediting bodies.

Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.

Education:
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or closely related human service field from an accredited university or meets the “Mental Health Professional” designation as determined by the Department of Human Services preferred.
Licensure/Certification/Registry:
• Must have Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) or be able to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• Valid IL driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance are required.
• Ability to pass background check and drug test required.
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, and Personal Safety certifications within 45 days of hire.
Experience:
• Preferred candidate will be an individual in recovery from mental illness or substance use and be willing to disclose this to staff and clients. Or, have Personal experience as a parent, guardian or caregiver of a loved one who you have supported through their mental health journey.
Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Must have computer and keyboarding skills required by position.
• Ability to sensitively work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures is required.
• Ability to de-escalate and remain calm in crisis situations.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Client Services
• Develops rapport with individuals and communities who are often reluctant to seek out mental health services.
• Coordinates regular community advisory forums; solicit feedback; suggest and implement ideas and suggestions
• Provides community outreach and prevention services targeting barriers to mental health treatment.
• Offering a collaborative, community-wide approach that de-stigmatizes mental health treatment, reinforces healthy lifestyles and other protective factors.
• Advocate for cultural change and stigma reduction of mental health in the community.
• Equip the community to identify mental health crises, how to intervene or call for help.
• Assist in the educational process with individuals through comfort, willingness and ability to share personal story of recovery from psychiatric disabilities and/or medical conditions with staff and clients.
• Refers to, and works closely with, appropriate community resources to assure linkage to appropriate coordination resources and delivery of appropriate services.
• Interact with the Mobile Crisis Response Team Members, including Peer Recovery Specialists to improve both community awareness as well as providing “stories” for marketing and communication purposes.
• Gives suggestions for promotion materials and assists to distribute.

2. Training Activities/Professional Growth
• Identify with supervisor professional goals to enhance job skills.
• Completes all mandatory education requirements by specified deadlines.
• Participates in required staff meetings and in-service meetings to keep abreast of agency policy and administrative procedures, meet requirements for continuing education, and upgrade professional knowledge.
• Ability to function on a team.
• Participate in professional training in the fields of mental health, health coaching, disease management and wellness in order to achieve/maintain professional development and upgrade knowledge/skills. Specific focus on increasing knowledge of developments and improvements in the counseling and medical treatment of depression or other behavioral health disease states.

3. Consultation/Networking
• Develop cooperative relationships outside the agency with community organizations, stakeholders or interested agencies to provide for the development of mental health wellness services in the community.
• Assisting with community advocacy for mental health needs
• Assists with data collection and data entry.

4. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values:
• SAFETY: I put safety first in everything I do. I speak up, without fear on matters of patient and colleague safety. I take action to create an environment of zero harm.
• INTEGRITY: I respect others and show compassion. I behave honestly and ethically. I am accountable for my attitude, actions and health
• QUALITY: I advance my knowledge and skills. I seek continuous improvement. I deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes
• STEWARDSHIP: I use resources wisely and maintain financial stability. We work together to coordinate care and services across the health system. We promote healthier communities

5. Job Relationships
• Communicate directly with supervisor for clinical supervision, clarification of agency policy, and program evaluation to promote a professional working environment and effective service delivery system.
• In absence of immediate supervisor , will reach out to assigned administrator for supervision.
• Adhere to MHS/MBH Behavioral Standards.

6. Other Job Responsibilities
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned that are compatible with training and experience such as additional clinical services, crisis response, or trainings.
• Perform other duties as required by agency needs.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.