Job Description

Objective:

The SPOA Coordinator acts as a “gateway” for adult and child mental health services for clients residing in Jefferson County who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness in Jefferson County.

Essential Functions:

To ensure all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard. Any other duties which may be required from time to time.

PRIMARY ROLE:

1. Operate the Jefferson County Single Point of Access (SPOA) process for children and adults with high service needs.
2. Chair the SPOA Committee when presenting difficult, hard to serve youth and adults.
3. Makes initial determination regarding eligibility for higher level of care for youth and adults.
4. Provide mental health systems management for children and adults in Jefferson County.
5. Provides feedback regarding the strategic direction of the mental health services for children and adults in Jefferson County.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Referral and Intake:
   1. Receive and process all referrals for services.
   2. Conduct intake interviews and assessments with children, families, or adult individuals referred for services.
   3. Draft presentation summaries for SPOA meetings.
   4. Ensure all referral packets are complete and prepared for presentation to the SPOA Committee.
   5. Maintain on-going contact with referred individuals, families, and service providers regarding the SPOA process and eligibility for services.
2. SPOA Committee Meetings:
   1. Establish Committee agenda.
   2. Forward documents to Committee members in advance of meeting.
   3. Chair all SPOA Committee meetings.
   4. Maintain Committee sign-in sheets.
   5. Take minutes of the meeting.
   6. Present referral summaries to the SPOA Committee for screening.
3. Meeting Follow-up:
   1. Send letters to service recipients regarding SPOA Committee recommendations.
   2. Refer individuals to services per Committee recommendations.
4. Data Tracking:
   1. Maintain thorough documentation within Electronic Medical Record.
   2. Maintain SPOA database.
5. Reports:
   1. Provide reports to the NYS Office of Mental Health and Jefferson County Community Services office as requested.
6. Education:
   1. Conduct ongoing education of Committee members regarding service options.
   2. Conduct public education presentations to promote the SPOA process in Jefferson County.

Special Requirements:

Work Environment: Works in a regular office setting and may require travel within Jefferson County to complete off-site/in-home intake interviews and assessments. May have contact with service recipients that are agitated and/or are in crisis. Some risk involved working with service recipients with mental illness.

Equipment: This position is required to maintain a working knowledge of related office equipment including personal computers and printers, audio-visual equipment, telephone systems, copiers, fax machines, etc.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, climb, bend, and stoop. Must be able to perform fine motor skills, read, and type. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time, traditional hours required along with some occasional non-traditional hours. This position is required to work on-site, and offsite/in home visits.

Requirements

Travel:

Travel is required throughout service area (Jefferson County).

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field with one-year experience working in the mental health field, preferred. Must be experienced in providing services to individuals with mental illness or in linking individuals to a broad range of services essential to successful living in the community setting. Knowledge of community mental health and related services. Writing and oral communication skills. Proficient computer skills. Time Management skills.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

Strong organizational abilities and office skills are essential for this position. This person must also have excellent people skills and be a team player. Ability to work with diverse populations. Must demonstrate effective and excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent time-management skills. Requires self-direction, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to be clear, courteous, and professional. Able to react to change productively and handle other duties as assigned.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Must maintain privacy of confidential information. Successful completion of routine pre-employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and your eligibility to work in the United States. A valid NYS driver’s license required. Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Security, and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR will be required following date of hire.