Hybrid Children's Mental Health Specialist - Child Welfare bei None

JOB SUMMARY:

The Children’s Mental Health Specialist is responsible as Kids Central, Inc. point of contact for pre-authorization of mental health services provided through the various health plans.  

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as Kids Central’s consultant to case management agency staff and others on mental health services for children, such as “medically necessary” criteria and availability.
• Conducts Higher Level of Care Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) staffings for children to determine his/her eligibility for a higher level of care (to include Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care, Specialized Therapeutic Group Home, or Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program) and make recommendations for needed services.
• Oversees processes related to admission, length of stay, and discharge from a higher level of care.
• Oversees the process of referring children for Suitability Assessments for the determination of a higher level of care.
• Participates in other staffings as deemed necessary. 
• Assists in reducing the number of youth experiencing Baker Acts or having multiple Baker Acts by conducting Baker Act Staffings and ensuring the appropriate services are in place for the child.
• Assists in ensuring the children within our system of care have the necessary services for stabilization and positive mental health, thus improving the CFSR results related to mental health.
• Acts as a consultant regarding operating procedures, laws, and other official guidance with regard to any use of psychotropic medication by children in licensed care
• Reviews the utilization of mental health services and makes recommendations to improve service delivery, close service gaps, and improve outcomes.
• Documents on children in the Health Plan’s data system. 
• Other job duties identified in the Health Plan’s contract and/or scope of services. 

This list of functions is not intended to be exhaustive.  Kids Central reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

 Education/Experience

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or other licensed counseling degree for clinical programs and three (3) years’ experience in children’s mental health services.  Licensure or a registered intern in the counseling field or social work is preferred.

 Other Requirements

Current Background Clearance Screening Letter

Valid Florida driver’s license and insurable by agency’s current insurance carrier

Must carry personal phone with voice plan only for business communications during and outside business hours

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to meet Organizational Required Competency standards
• In-depth knowledge of Florida’s child welfare system, Statutes, Administrative Codes, Rules of Juvenile Procedure, KCI Operating Procedures, DCF Operating Procedures and Medicaid Handbook
• Excellent assessment and problem-solving skills
• Strong communications skills (verbal and written)
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicle
• Ability to travel up to 40%

 WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally in an office environment, but may also be required to visit other settings such as court or other agencies. The noise level is usually moderate.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must also frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to bend/stoop, and kneel. Repetitive motion is also required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Our mission is, “Protecting Children, Supporting Families, and Engaging Communities”.   Kids Central, Inc. is the lead Community-Based Care agency for child welfare in Circuit 5, which encompasses Marion, Lake, Hernando, Sumter, and Citrus Counties.  We maintain a system of care for children and families that have experienced or are at-risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect.   Kids Central, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, disability, or veteran status as those terms are defined under applicable law.  Kids Central is a Drug-Free Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity, and E-Verify Employer.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Kids Central, Inc. provides a comprehensive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and a generous paid time off allotment.

Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V