ACT Family Specialist

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• 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;
• Education and support clients’ families and advocate for clients’ rights and preferences;
• Conduct comprehensive assessment for psychiatric history, 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;
• Act as liaison and consult with community agencies and families to maintain coordination in the treatment process;
• Provide family psycho educational 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).

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;
• 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;
• 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.