Transition Support Specialist

NAMI MS is a practiced and dedicated organization delivering wellness and recovery mentoring, education, self-advocacy skills coaching, and other mental health/substance use wellness and recovery supports. NAMI MS continues to address the multidirectional relationship of basic, immediate, and critical needs and social determinants of health, alongside supports specific to promoting mental wellness. The role of the TSS is to inspire, model long-term recovery, and support the patient discharge transition through tools as someone who has been hospitalized and successfully lives well in their own recovery.

A NAMI Metro Suburban Transitional Support Specialist will be part time, non-exempt, working at Madden State Hospital, an office in the Maywood area, and in the community.

This position is 20 hours/week, Monday-Friday with flexible daytime hours.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other duties as assigned.

Effectively Deliver Services to Guests:

• TSSs will work with the MMHC (Madden Mental Health Center) discharge team to coordinate initial meetings with eligible program participants at Madden Mental Health Center.
• The TSSs will meet 1:1 and in groups with participants at MHHC to educate and obtain their consent to participate in this program
• Prior to discharge, the TSS will have complete social determinants of health screening, identifying significant areas of need for the participant and creating a successful transition plan.
• Manage a case load of 20 discharged patients depending on need
• Distribute essential needs as appropriate; utilizing and sharing lived experiences with mental health/substance use recovery.
• Approach guest interactions from a non-judgmental standpoint, utilizing aspects of the following evidence-based models and techniques: strength based and person centered approach, trauma informed care, motivational interviewing.
• Utilize recovery tools to assist guests in building a strong foundation in their recovery, while tracking progress and celebrating success. Some tool usage would be SMART Goals, Wellness Plan, Self Care Plan.
• Assist guests in navigating multiple systems (mental health, insurance, State benefits, etc.) through coaching and modeling, assisting in guests skill development
• Coordinate with other members of guests support team as needed.
• Provide guests with resources and referrals to relevant services.
• Models effective coping techniques, boundaries, and self care strategies.

Administrative Duties:

• Utilizes Apricot database to enter guest profiles, recovery tools, and case notes within 24 hours.
• Assist in the development of resource materials and preparation and maintenance of accurate records and information
• Completes applicable trainings, approved by supervisor, to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Remain HIPAA compliant
• Act as a Mandated Reporter
• Submit appropriate tracking reports
• Maintain scheduling and calendars reflective of organizational and programmatic needs

Skills:

Be flexible within role and while working with guests and team

Accountable for self and actions.

Ability to independently make decisions

Work both autonomously and on a team

Strong organizational and planning skills

Comfort in discussing and working with a variety of mental health symptoms including: suicide, suicide prevention, and psychosis.

Understanding individuals experiencing a mental health crisis may present with a variety of behaviors including verbal aggression, inappropriate language, loud voices, crying, etc

Acts within ethical standards and demonstrates healthy boundaries

Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills

Intermediate level of skills in use of Microsoft office components of Word, PowerPoint

Education and Experience

• Bilingual- English/Spanish preferred
• Certified Recovery Support Specialist certification valid in Illinois or CRSS eligible in 1 year
• Training in the Illinois Certified Recovery Support Professional Performance Domains: Advocacy, Professional Responsibility, Mentoring, and Recovery Support
• A work history in mental health service delivery is desirable.
• Experience working with adults preferred
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation required

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid drivers license and insurance, and reliable means of transportation?
• This role requires you to be eligible for your Certified Recovery Support Specialist credential within one year. Eligibility for that credential requires you to acknowledge that you are living well in recovery with a mental health condition. Do you meet this qualification?

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person