Behavioral Health Specialist, ICR

Position Overview

The Soteria ICR Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) provides a range of individual and group-based therapeutic supports and is an integral part of the multi-disciplinary ICR team. The BHS is responsible for engaging participants through a trauma-informed, recovery-focused, harm-reduction lens. Using a range of therapeutic strategies and motivational interviewing that targets an individual’s readiness for change, the BHS is a resource to guests and team members in supporting issues related to mental health and co-occurring substance use.

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Minimum of Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Criminal Justice or other Health and Human Services related field. Required; LMSW or related license, preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with a mental health condition with co-occurring substance use disorder.
• Have lived experience with the mental health system and willingness to share personal experience appropriately and respectfully, preferred.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, mornings, evenings and weekends in response to participant needs.
• Must be able to work in the community, including use of public transportation.
• Computer proficiency in Windows operating systems and programs, such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as comfort with learning new electronic systems.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred.
• Able to speak other relevant languages is a strong asset.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared by the New York State Justice Center.

Program/Department Description

The Soteria ICR is inspired by the Soteria model and is designed as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for people going through an acute psychiatric crisis and who would benefit from a respite period in a stabilizing, home-like environment with 24-hour peer support and treatment services. The ICR will work with guests for up to 28 days to help them develop awareness and skills that will allow them to return to the community with an increased ability to manage their mental health concerns. The program works with guests throughout their stay on discharge planning focused on safety and wellness, and provides post-discharge follow up health resource navigation support.