Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with disabilities from infants to 80+ years old regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability to pay. Founded in Chicago in 1948, Envision Unlimited has a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services offered across Chicagoland and Central Illinois include community living options, novel day programs, behavioral health services, employment programs, respite for families, and foster care for children with disabilities.

Purpose:

The Outreach and Engagement Specialist is a member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting on-site file evaluations and off-site assessments with clients identified by the Pre-Admissions Screener and Resident Reviewer (PAS-R) currently residing in an in-patient setting such as Psychiatric Hospitals, State Operated Facilities, Crisis Residential, etc. This position is responsible for the coordination, linkage, and tracking of appropriate services after need is assessed and a discharge plan is developed.

Requirements

The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct basic evaluation of client’s eligibility for Medicaid. Conduct assessments with clients to determine the need for appropriate services.
• Develop discharge and treatment plans that reflect needs assessed, and coordinate linkage to services identified.
• Assist with application process for Medicaid, SSI and other available entitlements through the on-line benefits check-list process when appropriate.
• Provide clients with an alternative to long term institutional placement via assessments and care coordination services which effectively meet the client’s unique requirements. Assessments will be strength-based and reflective of clients’ needs and preferences.
• Care coordination Linkage and referral opportunities will be provided to all clients willing to accept the services. Areas include (not limited to) psychiatric, medical, dental, and specialty care, Community Mental Health Services, legal aid, substance abuse treatment, Link cards, educational, vocational and guardianship services and therapeutic recreation.
• Provide information to internal departments and external provider agencies as requested to coordinate and assure the appropriateness of services.
• Assist Program Director and Supervisor with program development tasks such as designing workflows and procedures manuals.
• Provide brief, supportive, goal-directed counseling to assist with client decisions and process change.
• Facilitate the development of a crisis plan for each client accepting a community alternative living arrangement.
• Work closely with the housing counselor and career services staff to ensure stability of the clients living arrangement and financial security. Follow-up visits are required monthly at minimum.
• Collect and conduct data entry of client demographic data and outcome measures in the State’s system as needed.
• During periods of low intake, carry a small caseload providing recovery-oriented services to clients diagnosed with mental illness, maintaining clinical documentation per rule 132 requirements. Some clients may present with co-occurring physical, developmental and/or substance abuse issues.
• Complete required productivity targets and documentation on a timely basis, including clinical documentation, service reporting, and billing.
• Provide and document crisis interventions as needed, within 24 hours of an incident, and complete an incident report when necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with changes to program needs and schedule as the need arises.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS

Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or harassment based on religious, marital, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences.

Employees share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a welcoming and supportive work environment.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field, master’s preferred.

Three years of experience working within social service field, including internships, with two years working directly with clients with serious mental illness.

Must be able to work with diverse populations with multi-faceted needs.

Excellent written and oral communication skills needed, with demonstrated ability to engage clients.

Efficient computer literacy skills and ability to utilize Microsoft Office.

Valid driver’s license, with insured automobile to travel to multiple locations required.

CADC License, IM/CANS certification, and knowledge of Medicaid standards; experience with crisis programs such as ACT, CST or First Responders programs; Knowledge of Northside providers and social services strongly preferred.

Envision Unlimited provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Envision Unlimited offers competitive salaries and a generous benefit package to our professionals:

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, PPO

Dental and Vision Insurance Options

Company paid Life and LTD Insurance

Voluntary plans (Pet insurance, AD&D, Life, Critical Illness, Short Term Disability)

12 Paid Holidays

Paid vacation, sick time and personal days

403B plan

In house training and CEU’s

Employee Assistance Network

Support for pursuing clinical licensure (financial and time off)

Opportunity for career growth & development