ACT Family Specialist

Summary of Position Function

The ACT Family Specialist has training in one of the mental health professions (e.g. nursing, social work, rehabilitation counseling, or psychology) and clinical skill and experience to assess, plan, develop, coordinate, and provide treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to program clients with severe and persistent mental illnesses under the clinical supervision of the team leader and the psychiatrist. This member functions as a clinical member of the multidisciplinary team and provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services or may be designated by the team leader to function as the lead mental health professional, lead registered nurse, a team vocational specialist, family specialist, and/or substance use specialist.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Knowledge and demonstration of agency core values in day-to-day activities
• Provide case management for clients including coordinating and monitoring the activities of the individual treatment team; assume primary responsibility for developing, writing, implementing, evaluating and revising overall treatment goals and plans in conjunction with the treatment team
• Provide individual supportive therapy and symptom management, ensuring immediate changes are made in the treatment plans as clients’ needs change
• Educate and support clients’ families and advocate for clients’ rights and preferences
• Conduct comprehensive assessment for psychiatric history (e.g., onset, course and effect of illness, past treatment and responses, and risk behaviors), mental status, and diagnosis; physical health and dental health; use of drugs or alcohol, education and employment; social development and functioning; activities of daily living (e.g., self-care, living situations, nutrition, money management), and family structure and relationships
• Acts as liaison and consult with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the treatment process
• Ability to provide family psychoeducational services and assist with integrating family goals and services for all clients with other team members
• Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures and regulations
• Provide treatment, rehabilitation, and support services, with some interventions directed or performed by staff with specialty training and skills (e.g., vocational specialists, family specialist)
• Frequent or occasional driving of personal vehicle for purpose of transporting clients in the community and/or site visits (client or work related)

Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the characteristics and problems of adults with severe and persistent mental illness and be knowledgeable about the ACT model
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of effective clinical practices and principles
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in assessment, diagnosis, co-occurring disorders, and substance abuse or dependency
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record
• Must be licensed or certified to work in the field, abide by a code of ethical and practice standards, and be committed to a process of lifetime knowledge and skills development
• Must have strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences, work, and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illness and respect for client’s rights and personal preference in treatment are essential
• Exceptional judgment and decision making skills
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Proficient in the use of computer software such as MSWord, Excel, Outlook, etc.

Education Requirements

Master’s or doctoral Degrees in Nursing, Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, or Psychology are eligible as are Registered Occupational therapists. Must be licensed to practice in the state in which the program is operating. Training from ACT Institute within 6 months of hire. LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, PHD, PSYD, RN.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of post-secondary school education and training is required, including internships and other supervised practical experiences in a clinical or rehabilitation setting with persons with severe and persistent mental illness. Must have at least one year experience working with individuals and families. Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record, and possess a personal vehicle for job requirement.