EMHS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST in Washington, Pennsylvania at Apis Services Inc

Employment Status: Full-Time

The Mental Health Residential Specialist is responsible for providing direct support and rehabilitation services to individuals with mental health diagnoses and co-occurring disorders in a residential setting. This position promotes recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care by assisting residents with daily living skills, community integration, medication support, health and wellness needs, and achievement of individualized goals. The Mental Health Residential Specialist works collaboratively with residents, families, treatment teams, and community providers to foster independence, self-determination, and successful community living.

The Mental Health Residential Specialist is expected to:

• Comply with all OSHA standards and requirements.
• Adhere to Fire and Safety policies and procedures.
• Follow all Personnel and Residential policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all BHSL, DHS, and OMHSAS regulations.
• Observe all HIPAA policies and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Complete and submit required Human Resources documentation within established timeframes.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and exercise sound judgment in all areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting multiple residents across various locations.
• Record and report work time accurately and in accordance with agency policies.

• Valid driver's license.
• Current vehicle registration.
• Current automobile insurance.

• Agency vehicles and wheelchair lifts.
• Adaptive equipment.
• Telephones and cellular phones.
• Household appliances and furnishings.
• Other equipment necessary to support residential services.

The employee must be able to:

• Sit for extended periods at a desk or meeting table.
• Reach, lift, bend, stand, stoop, and twist.
• Climb stairs.
• Drive a vehicle.
• Operate adaptive equipment and household appliances.
• Assist residents with mobility and daily living activities as needed.

Knowledge of and compliance with:

• Bloodborne Pathogens standards.
• Right-to-Know regulations.
• HIPAA requirements.
• Security procedures.
• Fire and Safety regulations.

Work is performed in a variety of settings, including:

• Office environments.
• Community Residential Rehabilitation and Community Living Arrangement (CLA) settings.
• Residential homes.
• Program sites.
• Community-based locations.

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in a human services-related field preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health diagnoses and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Basic financial and mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while fostering supportive relationships.

• Implement Trauma-Informed Care principles, including Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, and Empowerment.
• Support residents in making healthy, informed decisions that promote recovery and independence.
• Create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that encourages recovery-focused growth.
• Encourage residents to express thoughts and feelings without judgment and assist in developing positive coping strategies.
• Foster healthy peer relationships and support community integration.
• Implement individualized support plans, behavior plans, and service plans as trained and assigned.
• Document progress toward goals, challenges, and barriers to success.
• Assist residents with daily living skills, personal hygiene, safety awareness, mobility, and community engagement.
• Communicate professionally with family members, guardians, healthcare providers, peer mentors, vocational staff, case managers, and treatment team members as directed by the Program Specialist.
• Transport residents to appointments, employment, educational, recreational, and community activities as needed.
• Assist residents in developing budgeting and money management skills.
• Support completion of activities of daily living, including hygiene, housekeeping, laundry, and appropriate clothing selection.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
• Utilize positive reinforcement, encouragement, and respectful communication techniques.
• Maintain resident dignity, privacy, and confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and HIPAA regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Assist residents with scheduling and attending medical, dental, psychiatric, therapy, and emergency appointments.
• Communicate pertinent medical information to the treatment team and on-call staff as appropriate.
• Assist with medication administration procedures in accordance with agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor medication changes and report adverse reactions or concerns immediately.
• Coordinate medication refills and ensure discontinued medications are disposed of properly.
• Notify supervisory staff and on-call personnel of psychiatric medication refusals in accordance with agency procedures.
• Recognize, document, and appropriately respond to minor illnesses and medical concerns.
• Maintain competency in First Aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures.

• Assist residents with meal planning and grocery list development.
• Support residents during grocery shopping and provide opportunities to learn budgeting, couponing, and comparison-shopping skills.
• Assist residents in preparing nutritious meals and snacks.
• Encourage adherence to physician-prescribed dietary guidelines and restrictions.
• Promote healthy eating habits and mealtime socialization through family-style dining experiences.

• Support resident participation in recreational, social, educational, and community activities.
• Arrange, supervise, and participate in recreational activities both at the residence and in the community.
• Encourage residents to explore and engage in activities aligned with their interests and personal goals.
• Promote daily community integration and natural support development.
• Document all recreational activities and community outings in accordance with agency requirements.

• Complete accurate, objective, and timely documentation each shift.
• Record all significant events, observations, and resident progress in agency-approved documentation systems.
• Maintain communication logs, activity records, and electronic documentation.
• Complete reports related to medical appointments, incidents, and unusual occurrences.
• Report incidents to the Program Specialist or on-call staff within required timeframes.
• Provide ongoing input regarding resident progress and goal development.
• Complete all required forms and reports as directed.

• Conduct and document monthly fire drills.
• Perform weekly fire safety equipment checks and maintain related records.
• Ensure agency vehicles are maintained, clean, and properly documented, including mileage and fuel records.
• Assist residents in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized living environment.
• Support residents in learning and performing household tasks, including:
  • Kitchen cleaning and sanitation.
  • Bathroom cleaning and disinfection.
  • Living area upkeep and organization.
  • Bedroom cleaning and organization.
  • Laundry completion.
• Support outdoor maintenance activities, including litter removal, grounds upkeep, walkway maintenance, and minor snow removal as appropriate.
• Ensure the residence is clean, safe, and presentable at the conclusion of each shift.

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of the position.

Employees may be required to perform additional duties necessary to support agency operations and resident needs. Appropriate training will be provided when required. Cross-training and teamwork are essential components of this position and contribute to the effective delivery of services throughout APIS Services.