Hours: Part time (20 hours per week) some weekends and evenings

Reports to: Program Manager

Compensation: $23-$25.00 per hour

Language Skills: Bilingual English/Spanish

CA Driver License: with an insurable driving record

Exempt: No

Localization: Main office, remotely, clinics, work field, In Response Offices

Humanidad envisions healthy and thriving communities where the stigma associated with mental health does not exist and all have access to quality and compassionate culturally sensitive therapy services.

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator position is a crucial role in our organization as Humanidad needs to change the role quickly. You are responsible for performing a full range of activities that will positively impact the organization and contribute to guiding the strategic operations for the Agency.

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator will be the person responding to clients in distress and challenging situations in need of support with resources for their well being.

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator will be connecting clients with resources and providing information about HTES events to encourage participation in ongoing HTES programs and events in order to increase awareness and to break stigma in Mental Health.

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator educates the community on Mental Health services, Suicide Prevention and Substance abuse prevention and participate in community outreach events

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator individualizes the approach for each client including gathering relevant documents, consulting with appropriate referring agencies and involved parties and initiating conversations about needs and expectations.

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator would also be responsible for taking protected information from the clients and utilizing what is shared to pair the client with their the available resources

The InResponse Community Resources Navigator:

• Promote Connections
• Provide Resources
• Create Client Case Plan
• Reduce Stigma
• Support Healing Process
• Engage Community Leaders
• Take Action
• Educate

The In Response Community Navigator provides support in the planning and operation of services to ensure smooth functioning and clear communication. Under direction of the Program Manager, advocates for and represents clients, their family members and the loved ones of mental health clients. Creating a case plan with clients is essential to support on-going quality of care services to support Mental Health Wellness of clients.

Essential Duties and Requirements:

• Peer/Family Advocate Support
• Provide system navigation for clients who have just experienced an acute mental health challenge. Assist in accessing various medical, detention and psychiatric care facilities as needed and directed.
• Encourage client efforts at utilizing community support and peer-based support.
• Provide transportation in personal and agency vehicles as directed.
• Facilitate peer and family support groups as needed.
• Assist Program Manager in planning, implementing and monitoring services to meet the needs of the client and their family members.
• Provide input to the Program Manager and other members of the In-Response Team in the development of peer and family member policies.
• Represent peers and family members within the mental health system and provide individual support and accurate information to assist families or support persons interacting with the system, community support and services. Assure that services are delivered with cultural sensitivity and in the preferred language of the family receiving support services. Provide accurate and relevant information to the client and family members regarding legal processes in the mental health system.
• Represent client and family members’ issues to mental health managers, supervisors and staff to enhance awareness and sensitivity regarding family member concerns.
• Train, inform and assist client and family members in developing skills to enable them to care for and effectively advocate for the client and family members receiving services. Provide similar training to mental health staff to facilitate client and family involvement in services.
• Provide support and information to assist family members of persons and individuals with mental health challenges who are incarcerated in the county jail by way of coordination and communication with the Mental Health Jail Liaison.
• Collaborate with the Patient Rights Advocate to ensure clients and families are aware of current legislation that will impact the services provided to client and family members.
• Investigate concerns and/or grievances as a designated representative of In-Response clients and family members or identified support persons. Maintain written records of client / family members’ or identified support persons’ requests for assistance, including describing problems, actions taken, and results. Enter, track and manage client and family services data in our electronic health records; generate reports as needed. Communicate effectively with the client, family or identified support persons, treatment staff, supervisors, managers, administrators, support staff, Patient’s Rights Advocate (PRA) and other involved entities, about concerns or grievances pertinent to the request for services.
• Attend team meetings for In-Response and the Family Service Coordination Program.
• Other duties as assigned

Outreach/Engagement

• Represent client and family interests in various community committees and task forces.
• Perform community outreach and engage in public speaking to increase public awareness of the impact of mental illness on clients and families, and the importance of family involvement in the treatment of client members.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with peer and family support groups and other community providers.
• Help organize and participate in community events to promote Buckelew Programs’ services, provide resources, and decrease stigma.
• Develop and maintain community resources in order to provide peers and families and consumers with appropriate and up-to-date resources and support.
• Recruit and assist in the supervision of volunteers and interns to enhance family service programs and support clerical tasks.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
BA/BS degree in Social Science discipline; OR Peer Support Specialist Certification; OR Patient Navigation Certification; OR Certification in Community Health Worker, Advocacy, Drug and Alcohol or similar discipline.

A minimum of one-year experience working with adults with serious and persistent mental illness or children diagnosed with serious emotional disturbance as a Peer Support Specialist or Family Advocate, or significant involvement and work in the mental health family advocate movement. Strong understanding of mental health systems, community services and supports identified through experience.

Strong background with Mental Health Acuity. Including assessing and connecting clients to appropriate warm-hand off Mental Health Organizations is a must

Recognition of Cultural Humility desired

Knowledge of a working system for Warm-Hand off of Client to Mental Health Services a must

Other Requirements:
Computer and office skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, email, fax, cloud-based programs, and electronic health records (EHR) are needed.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Must be fluent in English (written and verbal); Spanish language skills a plus.

Must understand and be sensitive and responsive to serving culturally diverse populations

Ability to work autonomously with focused direction, advocate for team approach, utilize strong organizational skills, project appropriate confidence, listen well, problem solve in on-the-spot situations, remain calm and reassuring in unexpected situations while maintaining confidentiality

Must have an interest in working with persons with mental and/or behavioral health disabilities

Able to identify areas needing improvement and to take initiative to suggest viable alternatives.

Ability to work flexible hours required (generally normal business hours, with occasional flexibility needed for evening availability).

Must be able to work within all the rules, regulations, and policies that govern agency compliance.

Must have a valid California driver’s license with an insurable driving record, use of own vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed). Ability to meet contract requirements.

A lived family or consumer experience with mental health and/or addiction desired.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment
Temporary remote work and in the office due to COVID-19. This position will be a combination of Office, remote and in-field work, it requires some times your presence at the office and some driving to different events

Physical Demands
Capable of the following intermittent activities: stretching, bending, kneeling, twisting, squatting, reaching above or below the shoulder, pushing, pulling, grasping, and lifting to 25 pounds. Job frequently requires sitting, handling objects with hands and the use of fine motor skills. Often operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, and hearing. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Humanidad Therapy & Education Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics