CSO is looking for Mobile Transitional Counselors for our Respite program in Pittsfield. 

Respite is a 24-hour staffed program that provides short-term, temporary housing and support services for those in transition from one living arrangement to another. Respite is a program funded by the Department of Mental Health.

Clients in Respite have access to psychiatric consultations, a mental health Clinician and medication support as well as a Nurse to provide health assessments, as needed. The program also provides a variety of wellness groups on-site to provide daily structure and connection to community and peer supports.

As a Mobile Transitional Counselor you will Provide short-term case coordination, outreach and support to clients and individuals utilizing Respite beds, or being screened for eligibility for Department of Mental Health (DMH) services. The Mobile Transitional Counselor serves as the primary coordinating resource linking individuals not already known to the DMH system while service eligibility is being reviewed. Service delivery is also designed to facilitate discharge from the Respite program and successful transition back to a permanent living situation.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment of independent living skills and skills training in areas including transportation, money management, cleaning, laundry, food preparation, personal grooming, and health care.
• Document a transition plan based on assessed needs and listing transition goals. 
• Assist with advocacy needs; facilitate "mediation" as appropriate.
• Provide assistance in identifying and obtaining entitlements including housing and tenancy engagement.
• Provide intensive support to consumers during psychiatric crises or periods of transition.
• Assist consumer with identifying appropriate insurance and benefit application and accessing services of choice.
• Provide assistance with developing and maintaining a "natural support network" of family and friends.
• Assist consumer in negotiating relationships with roommates, landlords, and others.
• Coordinate development of meaningful day activities, including clubhouse participation, schooling, employment, or volunteer activities.
• Assist with finding or developing recreational and social activities of the consumer's choice.
• Provide transportation for consumers as appropriate, following program guidelines.
• Maintain appropriate contacts with family members, others in the "natural helping network," DMH case managers, outpatient therapists, and others as necessary to support consumers.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a mental health discipline plus two years' experience in community mental health setting preferred; Associate's degree and two years' experience or high school diploma and five years' related experience required.  Experience treating individuals with a serious mental health illness strongly preferred.  Computer proficiency required including ability to work with email, electronic health record and word processing software. Must be able to work flexible schedule, including night and weekends as needed. Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation to support outreach and home and community-based activities.

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