Mental Health Specialist - ACT

Do work that matters in a culture that means it. Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support.

About the role

We are seeking a Mental Health Specialist to join our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. This position provides community-based support to individuals living with Serious Mental Illness. You will maintain a caseload, participate in treatment planning, and coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team and other community partners.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based practice that uses a person-centered and recovery-based approach to offer treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI). Individuals served by ACT often have a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, risk of harm to self or others, and lack of success in traditional outpatient services. Many also live with co-occurring substance use disorders, and ACT utilizes a harm reduction approach to support them in reaching their self-identified recovery goals.

ACT services are provided by a mobile, multi-disciplinary team who meet participants at their residence or in mutually agreed-upon community settings. The goal is to assist individuals in achieving personally meaningful goals and life roles through a highly individualized approach, integrating trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and inter-system collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of participants and provide case management services across multiple life domains such as housing, entitlements, education, daily living skills, and medical care.
• Perform intake interviews and evaluate appropriateness for treatment.
• Complete bio-psycho-social assessments, treatment plans, and required reporting (e.g., AOT, CAIRS) within specified timeframes.
• Establish collaborative, supportive relationships with participants to promote engagement in recovery and work toward life goals.
• Provide Wellness Self-Management services, including skills training and assisting individuals in making informed decisions to improve their quality of life.
• Complete timely and accurate progress notes for all participant and collateral contacts in compliance with regulations, laws, and agency policies.
• Complete discharge summaries and documentation in accordance with agency policy and regulatory standards.
• Attend and actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Make appropriate referrals to outside providers and community resources as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies. Participate in on-call rotation.
• Participate in individual and group supervision as scheduled.
• Respect and support interdisciplinary team decisions regarding patient care.
• Participate in staff training and professional development activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently while functioning as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong skills in boundary-setting, limit-setting, and crisis management.
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of challenges, systems, and resources related to housing and homelessness that impact the population served.
• Ability to use electronic health record systems for documentation and other electronic systems for communication (e.g., email, Teams, Zoom).
• Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Yiddish) a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with experience.
• At least one year of experience working in a behavioral health setting.
• Experience working in community-based settings is a plus.
• Valid NYS driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move throughout the workday and accompany individuals served in the community.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods while using a computer.
• Able to work in an open-space office setting in close proximity to co-workers (within 3 feet).
• Must be able to move in tight spaces as needed.
• Occasional lifting of more than 5 lbs. (e.g., carrying a backpack with a laptop and materials).

Pay

$25.00 hourly

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm

Location: Valley Cottage, NY (Rockland County)