Transitional Services Outreach Counselor

CSO is looking for a Transitional Services Outreach Counselor for our Respite program. Respite is a 24-hour staffed program that provides short-term, temporary housing and support services for those in transition from one living arrangement to another. Respite is a program funded by the Department of Mental Health. This position will provide short-term case coordination, outreach and support to clients and individuals utilizing Respite beds, or being screened for eligibility for Department of Mental Health (DMH) services. Service delivery is also designed to facilitate discharge from the Respite program and successful transition back to a permanent living situation. Starting salary: \$38,000-\$44,000/year As a Transitional Services Outreach Counselor You Will: Provide assessment of independent living skills and skills training in areas including transportation, money management, cleaning, laundry, food preparation, personal grooming, and health care Document a transition plan based on assessed needs and listing transition goals Assist with advocacy needs; facilitate \"mediation\" as appropriate Provide assistance in identifying and obtaining entitlements including housing and tenancy engagement Provide intensive support to consumers during psychiatric crises or periods of transition Assist consumer with identifying appropriate insurance and benefit application and accessing services of choice Provide assistance with developing and maintaining a \"natural support network\" of family and friends Assist consumer in negotiating relationships with roommates, landlords, and others Coordinate development of meaningful day activities, including clubhouse participation, schooling, employment, or volunteer activities Assist with finding or developing recreational and social activities of the consumer\'s choice Provide transportation for consumers as appropriate, following program guidelines Maintain appropriate contacts with family members, others in the \"natural helping network,\" DMH case managers, outpatient therapists, and others as necessary to support consumers Your Background: Bachelor\'s degree in a mental health discipline plus two years\' experience in community mental health setting or Associate\'s degree and two years\' experience or high school diploma and five years\' related experience Valid driver\'s license and reliable transportation to support outreach and home and community-based activities Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We also seek applicants who embody CSO\'s values by being: Positive -- maintaining resiliency and focusing on solutions Respectful -- collaborating and effectively communicating Insightful -- demonstrating self-awareness and effectively priority setting Conscientious -- taking accountability and applying feedback What We Offer At CSO, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to supporting your professional growth, well-being, and success through: Competitive salaries Health and dental insurance Generous paid time off 403(b) retirement savings plan Free CEUs and ongoing professional development through in-house training Employee referral bonuses Group-rate supplemental insurance options A premier Employee Assistance Program A flexible, supportive, and collaborative work environment Why Join CSO? For more than 50 years, Clinical & Support Options, Inc. (CSO) has been providing innovative, compassionate behavioral health services throughout Western Massachusetts. With locations across Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, and surrounding communities, our multidisciplinary teams work together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families. This is a partial job description, for a full description and to apply, please click here.{target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"}