ACT WELLNESS SPECIALIST - Oswego Health

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the ACT Team Leader, in accordance with the objectives, policies and procedures of the ACT Team department and established professional standards ,provide assistance with treatment objectives, psychosocial rehabilitation, and community support services to those with chronic and persistent mental illness; many of who have co-occurring substance abuse problems.  Services are designed to promote recovery by improving psychiatric symptoms, preventing relapse, teaching skills, providing direct assistance and securing community resources necessary for successful functioning in work, school, home and social relationships. Effectively interacts with patients, families and healthcare members while maintaining standards of professionalism.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists clients with a chronic, persistent mental illness and substance abuse issues in the community on an outreach basis.
• Participates in an on-call rotation, team must provide continuous coverage 24 hours a day, every day, including weekends and holidays.
• The Wellness Specialist will develop interventions, activities, and groups utilizing the Wellness Self-Management (WSM) curriculum and other resources.
• Medication Support: Monitor medication compliance, response to medication, as well as side effects and communicate concerns to the ACT RN.
• Provides education to clients and their families about mental illness, self-help techniques, processes and community resources.
• Provides education to promote empowerment/self-help techniques and to identify barriers to treatment.
• Assist and encourage scheduling of routine and acute medical and dental care appointments and transportation to promote overall wellness as well as incorporating wellness practices as a tool for recovery.
• Teach problem solving, coping and relationship skills to clients and their natural supports.  Assist participants in identifying and clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals.
• In addition to routine team duties, has lead responsibility for assuring that clients are working on the Wellness Self- Management Program and communicating their progress to team.
• Teach client to identify relapse triggers and develop a relapse plan.
• Develop with clients a comprehensive, individualized service plan that is goal oriented.  Identify client strengths and weaknesses, needs and goals.  Identify risk factors regarding harm to self and/or others.
• Actively participates as a multi- disciplinary team member, and advocates for client needs during daily morning meetings.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing, recovery and trauma informed care when delivering services to clients. 
• Assist clients to identify goals and objectives related to relapse prevention as well as identify relapse warning signs and relapse prevention strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific):         

• Must possess excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
• Must be proficient in de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and therapeutic approach during crisis situations.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, counseling or related field.
• Minimum two years of professional experience with mental health services required.
• Valid Driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable vehicle required. 
• Requires completion of ACT mandatory trainings within first year of employment, and BLS certified.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires the ability to drive frequently and the use of a personal vehicle
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk frequently.
• Requires use of a computer, computer software, and frequent typing.
• Ability to climb flights of stairs, ability to lift 40 pounds or more using proper body mechanics for personal and patient/client safety.
• Requires cross-training to other specialty roles in the ACT team to best support client needs.       
• Actively participate in-service programs, Quality Assurance and CQI; attend all mandatory classes, meetings and committees as required; complete department-specific requirements.
• Comply with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and required immunizations.

Pay Range:   $21.65-$25.75/hour

*Sign On for Full Time positions only

Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.

The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system that was established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to continue to be one of Oswego County’s largest employers. More than 1,200 employees spread throughout its 17 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 164-bed community hospital with a brand new Medical Surgical Unit, a 32-bed state-of-the-art psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Oswego Health is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related matters, without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race), creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest/conviction record, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, relationship or association with a member of a protected category, or any other legally protected characteristic. Decisions affecting your position including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, tuition assistance, leaves of absence, disciplinary action, layoff/recall, and terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.