COORDINATOR OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (NATIVE AMERICAN)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves both direct clinical care and program planning for clients who are Native American and diagnosed with a mental illness and/or related disorders. This position requires expertise to deliver services outside of the office with considerable independence. Clinically this caseload is seen as being more in need of outreach, intensive service and coordination than the typical individual seeking mental health services. The caseload will include children, youth and adults. Direct service will be provided on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, and when needed, Mental Health Agency visits would also be arranged. Supervision of this position will take place at the Mental Health Agency. Clinical duties would include individual and group therapy, family therapy, medication monitoring , linkage to other service delivery systems or groups and client advocacy. The incumbent must be available on a 24-hour basis to after-hours service providers for consultation on the crisis needs of this population. Administration and planning would include, but not limited to, assessment of the additional needs of the Native Americans. This task would be facilitated in partnership with the Native American leaders and additional State/Federal Native American Support Services in order to evaluate current impact of services and develop future programming. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Works with all groups of Reservation leadership to assess impact of current services and to plan future programs;
Establishes data bases that reflect percent of utilization;
Provides direct supportive, individual, group and family therapy as required and appropriate;
Continually assesses high risk behaviors and lethality of the individual being served
as well as others not previously being treated;
Follows up with any individual who had been seen by a crisis worker after-hours
and/or discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility, to provide continued treatment and monitoring of the treatment interventions;
Assures maintenance of clinical records with updating of treatment plans as required;
Prevents and/or resolves developing crises to avoid unnecessary use of the emergency departments and re-hospitalizations;
Assures medication regime compliance through monitoring usage of prescriptions, assessing for side-effects, coordination of psychiatrist services, interpreting directive and education about the prescribed medication;
Participates as a member of the emergency crisis intervention team on call after-hours;
Assists in the development of quality assurance measures for the services provided;
Provides consultation services for Mental Health Clinic staff and other community agencies to assist them in understanding the Native American culture and dealing with the unique issues facing Native American individuals with mental illness;
Identifies Native American individuals and families in need of mental health services;
Makes complete intake studies of new or readmitted clients;
Coordinates the complete assessment of clients on their caseload by arranging for psychiatric evaluations, psychological testing, functional assessments, rehabilitative and social needs;
Integrates a written service/treatment plan for each client and facilitates its implementation.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of social work, psychology, and/or nursing, knowledge of human behavior, including the ability to study, diagnose and treat mentally and emotionally disturbed individuals and families; good knowledge of the Native American Culture and the Indian/Child Welfare Act, with particular sensitivity for the Seneca Nation; ability to organize and work effectively and independently; ability to interpret federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting mental health programs; ability to prepare and present oral and written reports; ability to screen, assess and propose services needed on the reservation; ability to coordinate additional outside service providers to address these identified needs.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met
by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions to this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND:
- Possession of a Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university in social work or related field, PLUS two (2) years of experience working with the mentally ill including at least one (1) year experience working with the Native American population;
OR: - Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university in the Human Services field with four (4) years of experience working with the mentally ill including at least two (2) years experience working with the Native American population;
OR: - New York State licensure and registration as a Registered Nurse* with six (6) years of experience working with the mentally ill including two (2) years of working with the Native American population.
NOTE: Only experience gained after the receipt of the appropriate degree will be credited.
*RN with National Certification as a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse (RN-C) may have preference in appointment.
Competitive Class