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Intensive Aftercare Specialist

One Hope United
2 hours ago
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Master's
Job Summary
 
Under assigned Director OR Senior Supervisor, the IPS Aftercare Specialist is a licensed or license eligible professional, responsible for providing enhanced Intensive placement Stabilization ( IPS) services to youth stepping down or transitioning from inpatient, or outpatient psychiatric or residential facilities. The Aftercare Specialist will have extensive knowledge of mental health diagnosis, accurate clinical reporting and best practices for psychological treatment and wellness. Along with the ability to assess and diagnose mental and behavioral health conditions. Ensuring confidentiality in all agency internal file management, database and external communications. In addition to proficiency and awareness of evidence-based modalities, Northwestern CANS, Illinois Medicaid IM CANS and Attachment Regulation and Competency Framework (ARC). In accordance with the programmatic and DCFS contractual guidelines. 
 
The Aftercare Specialist will provide a high-level coordination of assigned activities that will assist in achieving program and/or agency goals. Meeting with youth and Caregivers in the office, In home and in the community.  Serving as a vital link in the healing process, by ensuring continuous intensive therapeutic services, client advocacy, and community support. While promoting Stabilization in the caregivers or foster homes while transitioning youth from more intensive psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation centers and residential placements.  Utilizing a graduated intervention program, structured into progressive, multi-stage levels of intensity which will exceed traditional IPS 6-month intervention period.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provides Intensive crisis intervention response, assessment, and aftercare services utilizing graduated and multi-level interventions, tailored to the intensity of the client.
  • Conduct an initial visit within 5 days of referral opening per contractual and programmatic expectations.
  • Provides crisis intervention in-home services in local coverage areas as appropriate to program requirements.
  • This position will require day and overnight travel for training opportunities, advocacy for youth and families in community meetings, or staffing and client sessions.
  • Provides active guidance/feedback during family contacts (i.e., during sessions, crisis interventions, and other crisis stability events).
  • Completion of intake, Mental Health Assessment, DCFS Extension and Discharge processes, and Treatment Planning as outlined in IPS programmatic and contractual expectations.
  • Diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
  • Facilitate sessions with individuals, groups, or families.
  • Proficiency in the practice of evidence-based modalities and frameworks.
  • Assist in the integration of all services provided for the client by serving as a central point of communication for service components during the intervention period and after-care services.
  • Provides crisis response mental health interventions and specific services according to the funding source (such as DCFS).
  • Completes crisis counseling assessments, decision-making, evaluation risk, mental health interventions, and supporting family unit during services. 
  • Provides training and Psychoeducation to caretakers where applicable.
  • Mentors and supports Interns and new counseling staff.
  • Selects and administers Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to youth aged 7 to 21, along with other evidence-based tests and assessments as needed and skilled in administration.
  • Inputs weekly SDS notes documenting client, caregiver, referring agency and collateral interactions and communications.
  • Completes monthly progress reports which upon supervisory approval are sent to the referring case agency.
  • Completes twice monthly DCFS database tracking of client/family sessions, outings, communications and strength-based purchases as outlined programmatically and per the funder.
  • Maintains the highest ethical standards in keeping with professional affiliations and demonstrates the ability to perform strength-oriented practice.
  • Provides comprehensive and initial diagnostic assessment of all referred clients utilizing interviews and well-recognized criteria.
  • Regularly discusses progress toward goals with clients and encourages client feedback and client ownership of outcomes.
  • Ensures there is a medical rule out of symptoms and coordinates the approach with medical and other providers serving the client.
  • Adapts clinical methodology to the needs of the client using an evaluative tool and client feedback approach to ensure client service is meeting needs, and as needs change, adapts method and degree of therapy.
  • With the receipt of written consent, Collaborates with existing and future mental health-related services, supportive services, treatment, and counseling.
  • Maintains comprehensive client file with progress reports/session notes, completing assessments and CANS/IM CANS outcomes, closing summaries, preparing reports for court as needed, testifying in court as needed, and participating in multidisciplinary staffing as needed.
  • Develops collaborative relationships with staff and other programs both within and outside of the agency and assume initiative in developing therapeutic groups.
  • Represents the agency at court hearings and attends required staff meetings as required.
  • Monitors client progress and periodically reassesses client's level of functioning as necessary, utilizing standard clinical instruments as well as Child and Needs Assessment 2.0 ( CANS) and Illinois Medicaid IM CANS.
  • Takes a protective role in overall service by ensuring integration of clients with other providers by including them in the treatment planning.
  • Adhere to an Evidence-Based/Informed program: ARC.
  • Reports to the Child Abuse Hotline as directed by the Mandated Reporter Act.
  • Will provide exceptional customer service to parents, foster caregivers, referring case agencies, community partners and other team members.
  • Will Maintain discretion, as entrusted with client’s personal information and knowledge of their unique situation. This confidentiality extends to ensure client data is secure both virtually, while in person and in office.
  • Reports any exposure to communicable diseases.
  • Conducts frequent regional and all-state in-person and virtual team meetings with staff.
  • Participates in frequent agency management meetings and work groups.
  • Submits expense vouchers, bi-weekly timesheets, renewed driver's licenses, and automobile insurance coverage on the due date as determined by the funder, program/organization.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of programmatic information in Microsoft Teams and on the SharePoint site.
  • Works to ensure quality-of-service delivery and the achievement of programmatic outcome goals as outlined in the IPS contract.
  • Attends hearings, administrative case reviews (ACR), clinical staffing, CIPP, CFTM, and Provider meetings as needed.
  • Ensures collaboration with Supervisors, IPS Coordinator, and Case Aides to ensure that the required documents are in the client’s case file.
  • Ensures significant incident reporting is completed within the 12-hour reporting period.
  • Participates and presents information in various collateral and community groups to promote agency programs and to network with the community as needed.
  • Inputs SDS outcomes for CQI reports as required.
  • Ensures adherence to contractual obligations with the funding source.
  • Will ensure direct and indirect weekly filing of all IPS documents, notes in client files.
  • Provide on-call support after hours on a rotation with all IPS offices in Central, Southern, and Northern regions.
  • Provide onsite support to prevent placement disruption, meeting with clients at minimum twice weekly.
  • Tracks and documents all client disruptions, movements and placement stability for utilizing programmatic tracking tools
  • Facilitate placement needs of children with collaboration with referring case agency (residential, hospital facility, DCFS/POS).
  • Conduct in home and community visits.
  • Maintain positive relationships with other agencies and community members as applicable.
  • Complete any necessary file documentation required for DCFS database tracking twice monthly.
  • Prepare documentation for court proceedings, as needed.
  • Additional Duties as Assigned.
  • Collaborates with clients and publishers to ensure information packets and other promotional and registration materials are accurate and completed in a timely manner.
  • Collaborates with the Catering Manager and other appropriate staff to plan for meals and entertainment.
  • Assists with room reservations and, as appropriate, travel arrangements in alignment with contract.
  • Provides on-site support during the event as needed to provide services or resolve problems.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
 
Education 
  • Master’s Degree
Experience 
  • 2 to 5 years of experience in the field as a licensed Social Worker, psychologist, counselor, or related field.
 
Certifications/Licensure 
  • LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW
Other Requirements
  • Driving: A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required only if driving is an essential function of the role.
 
We Invest in You!
  • Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
  • Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
  • Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and short-term disability options
  • Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
  • Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
  • Voluntary Legal Plans
  • Agency paid long term after 1 year of employment
  • Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
  • Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours available in some locations
A Different Kind Of Employer One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?
  • 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, and Florida
  • Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency-- strong since 1895
  • Energetic leadership and a rich community of support
One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in eVerify.
 
In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from One Hope United, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. The requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 
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