In-Reach Specialist (Buncombe NC)

Office location: Serves Buncombe and surrounding counties (NC).

About the role

In-reach is an engagement, education, and support effort designed to accurately and fully inform adults who have a serious mental illness (SMI) or a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) about community-based mental health services and supported housing options. This includes:

• Availability of tenancy support services and rental assistance
• Benefits of transitioning into supported housing and the array of services and supports available, including rental subsidy
• Information about Medicaid, Special Assistance, and services under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance or the State-funded service array for which the individual is eligible
• Opportunities to meet with other individuals with disabilities who are living, working, and receiving services in integrated settings

In-reach initially targets Adult Care Homes (ACHs) determined to be Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs). This position assists members in understanding recovery and implementing recovery-oriented activities to prevent relapse and promote wellness.

Responsibilities

Target population for in-reach includes:

• Individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) who reside in ACHs determined by the State to be an IMD
• Individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) who are residing in ACHs licensed for at least 50 beds and in which 25% or more of the resident population has a mental illness
• Individuals with SPMI who are residing in ACHs licensed for between 20 and 49 beds and in which 40% or more of the resident population has a mental illness
• Individuals with SPMI who are or will be discharged from a State Psychiatric Hospital and who are homeless or have unstable housing
• Individuals diverted from entry into ACHs pursuant to the pre-admission screening and diversion provisions established by the State

In-reach activities include but are not limited to:

• Assessing individual’s interest in supported housing
• Explaining fully the benefits and financial aspects of clinically appropriate community-based integrated settings, including supported housing
• Facilitating and accompanying individuals on site visits to permanent housing with tenancy rights
• Exploring and addressing concerns of individuals who decline or are ambivalent about moving to supported housing, despite being qualified
• Reviewing individual’s housing preferences
• Providing linkages to ongoing peer support services as a step in education/exposure to housing options and supports
• Educating individuals about services covered under the North Carolina State Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915(b)(c) waiver, or the State-funded service array

Requirements

• NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Program Certification
• Specific background and expertise working with people with SMI and their families or guardians
• Knowledgeable about community services and supports, including supportive housing
• Must reside in North Carolina
• Ability to travel as needed to perform job duties

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of the recovery process
• Knowledgeable about Medicaid and Special Assistance benefits, available clinical services, community supports, and supported housing
• Ability and sensitivity to work with and/or serve a diverse population
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with members, families, professional disciplines, community agencies, and groups
• Ability to respect laws regarding confidentiality of information, both verbal and written, and authorizations for release of information
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work
• Must be able to travel and visit various facilities to meet with identified Transition to Community Living (TCL) members and guardians

Benefits

• Annual incentive bonus plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low deductible/low cost health plan
• Generous vacation and sick time accrual
• 12 paid holidays
• State Retirement (pension plan)
• 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Wellness Programs
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer