Resource Specialist - Hope Cooperative (TLCS, Inc.)

The Benefits Resource Specialist will serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to assist in coordinating and providing services and resources to program clients. The Benefits Resource Specialist will assist clients in attaining and maintaining any and all service entitlements to which they may be eligible. This includes but is not limited to, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), General Assistance (GA), Medi-Cal, Medicare, Covered California, Healthy Families, Veteran’s benefits, Vocational services, Housing Support Services, and Educational Services. This position will work in collaboration with the Personal Service Coordinators (PSC), provide additional support to clients and work with the PSCs to ensure quality and complete charts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES (includes the following; other duties may be assigned.)

1. Support clients and/or family members with active listening, demonstration of empathy, and carry a message of hope and recovery and empower clients in meeting their identified goals.
2. Collaborate with Personal Service Coordinators, Team Coordinators, Clinicians, and Medical staff in coordinating and providing services for clients.
3. Observe, assess, intervene, and refer (within one’s scope of practice) in situations with clients regarding mental health symptoms, physical health symptoms, and substance use issues.
4. Assist in linking clients and/or family members with resources in the community per the client plan.
5. Assist clients in developing and following a wellness plan unique to their needs and desires.
6. Assist members with various independent living skills: house cleaning, laundry, food preparation, hygiene, yard work, budgeting money, shopping, medication management, and safety.
7. Provide/Assist the clients with transportation in personal vehicles as necessary.
8. Meet with clients and/or family members in the community and their homes, and attend meetings to ensure continuity of care for clients.
9. Provide positive public relations, community referrals, information, and support by linking clients to needed resources; advocate with and on behalf of clients and significant support persons the clients have identified.
10. Facilitate planning of social, cultural, educational, supportive, and recreational group activities.
11. Accurately complete all necessary forms, reports, and paperwork required by the program on a timely basis (e.g., progress notes, special incident reports, discharge summaries, Medi-Cal billing, and Avatar forms).
12. Act as a designated Mandated Reporter for the observed or suspected abuse and/or neglect of children, disabled individuals, dependent adults, and elder/senior citizens. Mandated Reporter also includes “Duty to Warn” which includes the responsibility to notify authorities and the intended victim(s) of physical harm.
13. Ensure the protection and confidentiality of all Protected Health Information (PHI) by following all policies and procedures in the AGENCY HIPAA Manual.

Education and/or Experience:

• Must meet the qualifications of a Mental Health Assistant III (MHA III). Individuals must have:

1. A minimum of four (4) years of full-time equivalent (FTE) direct care experience in the mental health field providing mental health services; OR
2. Two (2) years of FTE direct care experience in a mental health-related field providing mental health services and two years of education (60 semesters or 90 quarter units) with a minimum of 12 semesters (18 quarter units) in a mental health-related subject such as child development, social work, human behavior, rehabilitation, psychology or alcohol and drug counseling; OR
3. Two (2) years of FTE direct care experience in a mental health-related field providing direct mental health services and a certificate of completion from the County Core Skills Training. (MHRS highly desired).

• Ability to work with individuals who have a mental health diagnosis. Experience is highly desirable
• Experience with persons who have substance abuse problems, preferably individuals who are dually diagnosed (mental health & substance abuse) is highly desirable.
• Lived experience as a mental health consumer or a family member/loved one of a mental health consumer is desirable.
• Mental health crisis intervention experience is highly desirable.
• Medi-Cal billing experience, rehab experience, and assessment writing skills are highly desirable

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Possess a valid California Driver’s License and current vehicle insurance. Driving records must meet, and continue to meet, the underwriting standards established by the generalized driving guidelines used by our insurance broker. Must provide proof of insurance.
• Must have at least 3 or more years of driving experience.

Other Skills, Abilities, and Job Requirements:

• Ability to pass clearance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and/or Department of Justice (DOJ) background screenings.
• Consumer of mental health services or a family member of a mental health consumer is desirable.

HOPE Cooperative (aka TLCS, Inc.) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Our agency embraces a diverse & culturally rich workforce, and we welcome all candidates to apply.

To apply visit Hope Cooperative - Online Career Center

Final Filing Date: Until Filled