Lead Reach In Specialist - Access Point

Position Summary:

The Lead Reach-In Specialist serves as a lead point person for the Access Point program. The Lead Reach-In Specialist assists in overseeing coordination of AODA treatment and recovery support services for individuals who are referred to the Access Point via the Department of Corrections (DOC), the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS), other WCS substance use programs, community providers, and/or those who refer themselves.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in ensuring Access Point policies and procedures are being followed and in accordance with the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services division.
• Complete assessments in alignment with Reach-In Specialist duties, including the follow-up support for individuals who need additional check-ins and guidance following assessment.
• Work closely with referral sources to act as a liaison between them and the WCS Access Point.
• Support the onboarding and training of new staff, including coordination of shadowing opportunities to increase staff development.
• Support individuals who are assessed with navigating systems of care and encourage individuals to communicate with other service providers to allow for maximum self-determination and dignity in care.
• Responsible for accurate documentation and maintaining case files as required by agency policy and Milwaukee County policy within Avatar NX.
• Monitor incoming referrals via the WCS Access Point email inbox. This includes review of eligibility, assignment to WCS Reach-In Specialist, email confirmation of receipt to referral source, and addition of the referral on to the program tracker spreadsheet.
• Regularly maintain the program tracking spreadsheet that includes referral information, assigned Reach-In Specialist, pertinent follow-up information, and verification of completion of assessment.
• Assist Clinical Coordinator with completion of reports that may be requested by referral sources, WCS, and Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services.
• Assist as needed with completion of monthly admissions and discharges for the programs within WCS' AWARDS database.
• Provide coverage for the Access Point hotline/self-referral line when needed.
• Provide coverage for other Reach-In Specialists when needed.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly supervision.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required, including meetings with Milwaukee County Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) division as well as quarterly DOC meetings and meetings requested by DMCPS partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Social Work, or Human Services required. Minimum of 1 year in the Reach-In Specialist role preferred.
• Valid driver's license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements is necessary.
• Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver's license check.
• Program specific knowledge:
  
  
  
  • Comprehensive knowledge of mental health and substance use needs.
  • General knowledge of recovery principles.
  • General knowledge of the Milwaukee County substance use/mental health systems, and evidence-based practices.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication - ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve, supervisor, colleagues, and program partners in writing and oral communications.
• Technological Aptitude - Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, Avatar NX, AWARDS.
• Managing Priorities/Deadlines - Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Problem-Solving Skills - Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment and adapt to program changes and challenges.
• Adaptability - Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork - Ability to work as a team participate productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
• Motivation - Possess a commitment to the assigned job, mission and core values of the organization while also supporting a respectful and harmonious work setting.
• Professionalism - Ability to conduct oneself with a high level of integrity, ethics and boundaries.
• Multicultural Sensitivity - The role involves working in the community and interacting directly with diverse populations, including clients, partners, and service providers. As such, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills while representing the organization in a variety of settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in an office and community environment. Travel is required. Must be able to go up and down stairs. Must be comfortable being around and/or interacting with adults who have significant substance use and/or mental health needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Noise levels range from low to high, when the office is populated. Work is performed in an office and community environment. Work is performed in the community including going into various locations to serve adults enrolled in the WCS programs. Travel is required. A flexible work schedule is required to meet the needs of staff and the people being served.