Family Services Specialist II - Older Adult Mental Health

Family Services Specialist II

Older Adult Mental Health

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Family Services Specialist II position.

An Overview

The Family Services Specialist II provides mental health outreach, case management, supportive counseling, crisis intervention assessment and interventions to older adults with serious mental illness and multiple medical problems as a member of the Older Adult Clinical Services Team (Geriatric Mental Health). Coordinates consumer care and facilitates referrals to various community providers, resources and service agencies. Provides supportive counseling, assessment of needs, risk and interventions for treatment planning. Performs much of the work with this population in consumers residences, senior centers and supportive living facilities.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate will have the ability to be tolerant concerning others; ability to handle crisis and work under pressure; ability to write and speak clearly and to have working knowledge of mental health issues; have knowledge and skills of intervention techniques with individuals, families, groups and other agencies.

The Opportunity

• Facilitates consumer access to a variety of mental and physical health treatment providers, including scheduling doctors’ appointments for consumers, accompanying them to their appointments and acting as an advocate for the consumer regarding their health care;
• Provides supportive counseling to individuals and groups of older consumers re: life adjustments, stress management skills, psycho-education and interventions designed to enhance decision making and coping skills;
• Provides intensive mental health case management to older adults with serious mental illness (SMI);
• Monitors consumer’s mental health status and compliance with medication and other forms of treatment;
• Communicates regularly with other service providers to coordinate consumer treatment and ensure all needs are being met;
• Links clients to needed services and explores community resources including assisting clients in receiving and maintaining entitlements and benefits;
• Works regularly with Adult Protective Services in monitoring and assessing elderly consumers;
• Works regularly with guardians and representative payees on behalf of the consumers including assisting with consumer’s finances;
• Provides community education and referral to citizens of Alexandria and other City agencies;
• Works in the community, providing services where the client is and contacts clients when appointments are not kept;
• Maintains clinical records in accordance with State, City, Departmental, and Federal compliance requirements;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Master's degree in a human services field and two years of relevant experience. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence if they are in a position with driving responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed or license eligible as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). At least one year of experience working with older consumers in a behavior health setting; Gerontology certification.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: Criminal Background Checks (local and federal); VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Psychological; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule :

Monday through Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM, some slight flexibility possible.