CSO is looking for a Personal Care Specialist for our Medical Respite team in Northampton.

We are excited to announce being chosen by the State of Massachusetts to open a new Medical Respite Program for people who are unhoused and in need a safe place to recuperate after an emergency room visit or inpatient stay. 

This program offers CSO an opportunity to create a 10-bed Medical Respite, located centrally to the CSO service area in Northampton, MA. FOH Medical Respite team members will support guests in healing, and ultimately transitioning to appropriate housing.

The Personal Care Specialist coordinates and monitors the assessment, treatment planning process and follow-up for each guest and serves as an advocate and liaison for guest benefits.  This position is part of the agency service team, providing a safe haven for FOH Medical Respite guests to address barriers to self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Complete new guest assessment to determine eligibility and needs for social support programs.
• Assist guests in the development of individual plans to move toward self-sufficiency and to retain/secure permanent housing.  Evaluate, facilitate and monitor guest's progress towards established goals and objectives.  Document in individual Credible case file/ETO.
• Support ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) such as: mobility, range of motion exercises, assistance with medications, bathing or grooming, dressing, eating, and toileting., and ADLs (instrumental activities of daily living) such as: laundry, shopping, housekeeping, meal prep, attending medical appointments, and maintaining equipment.
• Provide resource/assistance for guests in:  budgeting, job training, employment search, locating permanent housing, managing medical issues and addressing transportation and other needs.
• Advocate for guests with other service providers, including federal, state and city agencies and other non-profits; provide referrals to other appropriate service providers as needed. (e.g. Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare).
• May provide transportation service to guests for doctor appointments, job interviews, social security, veterans' association, and apartment/landlord meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of and good working relationships with other agency programs and community service providers with whom Friends of the Homeless collaborates.  Attend inter-agency meetings as required.
• Complete all required documentation and case notes timely, accurately and according to program guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Multi-task, prioritize, organize and manage time effectively.
• Provide follow-up and crisis intervention for assigned guests.
• Coordinate discharge planning process to ensure necessary support and services are in plan.
• Track client outcomes over time.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings as required; participate in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Qualifications

High School diploma or GED and two years' experience working as a CNA or MA, or in the Human Services Field such as working with low income and homeless populations, chemical dependency, and/or mental health programs or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Ability to use computer software applications and general office equipment. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, guests and the general public. Bi-lingual skills desirable. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, (English/Spanish speaking.)

Benefits

We provide our employees with competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including full coverage health and dental insurance and ample paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays). Additionally, we offer a 403B retirement savings plan, an employee referral bonus program, regular in-house training and professional development opportunities with free CEUs, and voluntary supplemental insurances at group rates, including short and long-term disability, cancer, accident and life. We also offer a premier employee assistance program (EAP) and personal cell phone plan discounts. Our work environment is flexible and supportive, with ample opportunities for collaboration within and across departments, programs and locations.

Our Agency

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a behavioral health organization serving individuals and families across Western Massachusetts. From our early days as a child guidance clinic, we have expanded into a full service behavioral health agency, committed internally to excellence while we collaborate externally with community partners to participate in a comprehensive system of assistance and resources for the residents of our communities. We employ over 650 multi-disciplinary staff, helping thousands of families over the past 50 years. We have community based office locations throughout Western Massachusetts, including Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Orange, Athol, Gardner and Pittsfield.

Our expertise, in a nutshell, is to support people in their progress towards self-sufficiency, no matter what challenges they face on that journey. EOE/AA