In Reach and Engagement Specialist (Full-time Hybrid, Cumberland County, North Carolina Based) (Personal Services)

The In Reach and Engagement Specialist provides an essential function of the Transition to Community Living (TCL) program by supporting members with information about, and assistance with, accessing services and community resources to improve the individual's health outcomes and aid in successful community living. The In Reach and Engagement Specialist also supports MCO efforts through a combination of activities with various public and private agencies, development of processes and agreements to address critical community needs of individuals participating in TCL, and foster relationships and partnerships to aid in the identification and referral to Alliance of individuals that meet special needs or high-risk criteria.  This position is also responsible for administering key assessments to help determine community needs and working in collaboration with several internal teams.

This position will require extensive travel to members we serve primarily in Cumberland County. The employee may also be required to come into the Alliance office in Cumberland County on a as needed basis.

Responsibilities & Duties

Complete Assessments  

• Assess an individual's interest in community inclusion, educating about transitions to community living and other housing options, service that may be available to them including employment opportunities (IPS-SE), supported housing and housing preferences
• Resolve disparities identified and document resolution of needs for members living in institutionalized settings 

Engage and Educate Members

• Working knowledge of recovery principles that cultivate the belief, hope and understanding for members who otherwise may not believe or have been told that they are unable to live outside of an institution 
• Working knowledge of employment and education opportunities to maximize quality of life
• Build trust and establish rapport, by using person centered dialog to effectively communicate with individuals
• Provide face to face and field/community-based support to each member as needed
• Educate individuals about services covered under the NC Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915 b/c waiver, or the State funded service array
• Educate members and families about provider choice, person-centered planning, using cultural competence and available local resources
• Explain the benefits and financial aspects of Supported Housing, as well as other community based integrated settings
• Explore and address the concerns of individuals who decline the opportunity to move to supported housing or who are ambivalent about moving to supported housing, despite being eligible for transition to community living
• Ensure members receive information and education about choice of services, supports, housing and community based resources including the advantages or disadvantages 

Connect Members to Services and Housing Supports

• Provide linkage to ongoing peer support services in Alliance benefit plan
• Assist families in linking and advocating for appropriate services
• Facilitate and accompany individuals on site visits to permanent housing
• Provide education and training on tenancy rights
• Identify, problem solve, and work to address support needs for members with housing insecurity
• Follows members throughout the transition and community living process as needed 
• Support the member to complete housing applications

Collaborate with the Alliance Care Team, Community Health and Well-Being, and Alliance Departments

• Attend all required meetings related to care planning and provider engagement
• Notify Care Manager of any new service needs identified during service monitoring
• Work with Community Health and Well-Being to maximize member experience and to build social capital in member's community of choice
• Develop in-depth knowledge of various community systems and provide consultation and technical assistance to Alliance clinical departments regarding available resources

Engage with Providers and with External Stakeholders

• Collaborate and consult with local stakeholders to enhance and expand available resources
• Build partnerships with public and private mental health agencies, DSS, DJJ, and community partners, to develop programs and resources to increase family involvement in care delivery
• Represent Alliance in System of Care activities to ensure an integrated System of Care approach for child and adult service systems
• Educate and provide technical assistance to agencies and partners regarding the availability of local services, methods for accessing services, the provider network, mental health reform, and System of Care

Caseload Maintenance

• Maintain accurate caseloads and tracking tools to ensure correspondence is being mailed to identified individuals within the necessary timeframes 

Maintain Documentation

• Maintain medical record compliance/quality
• Ensure timely documentation of in reach activities as required by department policy and procedures

Compliance

•  Comply with state, organizational and departmental Policies, Procedures, Processes, Workflows

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

Required:

High school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years of experience working with individuals \with behavioral health needs, as well as at least two years lived experience in navigating any of the Mental Health, Public Health, Social Service, and/or Justice systems. Other relevant experience may be considered including areas of recovery focus.  

Preferred: 

QP status preferred; bachelor's degree in human services Related Degree preferred; Master's degree in Human Service-Related Field highly preferred Also preferred completion of training and/or documented knowledge of: WRAP; Person-Centered Thinking; WHAM (Whole Health Action Management), Trauma Informed Care; MH First Aid; IPS-SE; Community Inclusion/Integration; Harm Reduction; Recovery Model.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of Medicaid basic, enhanced MHSUD, and waiver benefits plans
• Knowledge of community specific financial planning resources
• Knowledge of regulations and statutes specific to 1915(b) and (c) waiver services including licensure type required for facility-based services, and staffing and supervision requirements (LTS and TBI Care Workers only)
• Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Motivational Interviewing techniques
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills 
• Conflict management and resolution skills
• High level of diplomacy and discretion is required to effectively negotiate and resolve issues with minimal assistance.
• Strong problem solving, negotiation, arbitration and conflict resolution skills are essential to balance the needs of both internal and external customers. 
• Ability to understand macro and micro level planning, maintaining both the big picture and seeing that the details are covered.  
• Detail oriented
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to change the focus of activities to meet changing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is required
• Must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.

Salary Range

$22.23 - $28.90/Hourly

Exact compensation will be determined based on the candidate's education, experience, external market data and consideration of internal equity.  

 An excellent fringe benefit package accompanies the salary, which includes:    

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability
• Generous retirement savings plan
• Flexible work schedules including hybrid/remote options
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, holiday, management leave
• Dress flexibility

Education

Required

• High School or better in General Studies

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Driver License
• Cert Peer Support Spec

See job description