Housing - Job Opportunities

The Lead Mental Health Worker reports directly to the Housing Program Coordinator of Fountain House, Inc. who in turn reports to the Executive Director.

Central to the successful performance of the Lead Mental Health Worker position is the concept of the management through partnership. The Lead Worker will be called upon to consult or otherwise work in conjunction with a variety of other senior staff, experienced members and others in order to successfully fulfill the roles and functions of the job.

The Lead Mental Health Worker directly supervises all staff, is accountable for the well-being and progress of the members of the Residence, as well as the competence and proficiency of the Residence Staff. The expectation for the Lead Mental Health Worker is to work closely and collaboratively with members and staff of the Residence and around the clubhouse, to achieve the goals of Fountain House and the Residence, as stated in the Fountain House Vision and Mission statements.

Job Functions:

1. Provide leadership in the areas summarized above, using the following methodologies: develop and implement specific and measurable vision and mission statement for the residence; develop, articulate and facilitate the roles, functions and tasks needed to fulfill the needs of the Residence.

2. Provide supervision, support and guidance to the Residence staff in the performance of their jobs, as well as their participation in the Fountain House Community.

3. Function as a role model for residents and staff through engagement by working alongside residents and ensuring high operation performance of the Residence.

4. Ensure residents have access to all necessary and desired opportunities, including assisting residents with all aspects of community support services, including paid work and housing entitlement.

5. Participation and leadership in hiring, nurturing, staff evaluation, staff development and promotion, and when necessary, active involvement of staff termination.

6. Develop and oversee ongoing quality improvement efforts.

7. Understand, implement and provide ongoing leadership and supervision to members and staff, with respect to proper adherence to Fountain House administrative, fiscal and personnel practices and procedures

8. Active participation in the maintenance of the Residence.

9. Ensure that the Residence staff prepare and submit the highest quality paperwork on a consistent and timely manner.

10. Coordinate residence coverage and participate in House-Wide activities. This may include but is not limited to trips to High Point; meetings, such as the House and Decision Making Meetings; Colleague and in-house training; orientation of new staff and members; etc.

11. Schedule staff to ensure adequate coverage and 24-hour coverage; contact security or per diem, when needed.

12. On-call 24/7, to respond to emergencies and other situations as needed.

13. Other duties, as required.

Other Requirements or Preferred Characteristics:

1. Masters in Social Work or other Human Services field required.

2. Three or more years experience in Mental Health.

3. Understanding and knowledge of mental health, including previous relevant paid employment experience, education and life experience.

4. Positive, energetic, dynamic and engaging personality.

5. Flexibility, as demonstrated by interchangeability with other staff in the residence, as well as throughout Fountain House; staying late or arriving early, if necessary, to fulfill residence and/or member needs.

6. Excellent organizational skills that promote system design and development, at the residence level, that maximizes accessibility of the work for all members and staff, while ensuring a timely and quality service.

7. Pride and sense of ownership and investment in the Residential Program.

8. Person-oriented and centered team approach as evidenced by and through partnerships and alliances that start with the individuals and coalesce into stronger entities through a synergetic effect, building off of individual strengths and talents to formulate a tightly meshed and supportive community.

9. Commitment to and understanding of International Standards for Clubhouses. Ability to define the Standards through actions, role modeling and verbal communications and discussions.

10. Computer savvy with an interest and ability to learn Information Technology and encourage staff and members of the Residence to take advantage of the Fountain House trainings and the technologies available.

11. Driver's License

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Position: Generalist Mental Health Worker

The generalist mental health worker is responsible and accountable for the functions of the residence as well as helping to connect residents to outside services. The expectation is that staff will work closely and collectively with members and staff to foster an atmosphere of collegiality and congeniality and to implement and sustain the basic philosophy of Fountain House, in congruence with the International Standards for Clubhouses.

Essential Job Functions:

· Engage and work alongside residents to perform the functions and tasks of the Residence.

· Assist residents with all aspects of community support services, including housing, entitlements, and employment.

· Prepare and submit paperwork (including monthly progress notes, reports, etc.), in a consistent and timely manner.

· Establish and update goals and record progress of members, with members.

· Support the residents’ connection to Fountain House, and when appropriate, coordinate with a resident’s staff worker to ensure consistency in goals and planning.

· Active participation in the maintenance of the Residence.

· Participation in House-wide activities. This may include but is not limited to trips to High Point; meetings, such as the House and Decision Making Meetings; Colleague and in-house training; orientation of new staff and members; etc.

· When scheduled, perform other roles, such as early morning, evening and weekend shifts, etc.

· Other duties as required.

Other Requirements or Preferred Characteristics:

· BA/MA/MSW preferred, particularly in a relevant human services field

· Working knowledge of mental illness

· Positive, energetic, dynamic and engaging personality

· Flexibility, as demonstrated by interchangeability with other staff on the unit, staying late or arriving early, if necessary to fulfill unit or member needs

· Excellent organizational skills

· Team approach

· Driver's License

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