Care Coordinator - AOT - Hillcrest Children Center
Washington, DC 20001
About the Job
Hillcrest Children & Family Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals in our community. We are committed to improving the lives of those struggling with mental illness through evidence-based treatment and compassionate care.
Job Description:
The Care Coordinator in the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program will facilitate the coordination of care for individuals with severe psychiatric disorders under civil court-ordered outpatient treatment. The Care Coordinator ensures that clients adhere to their treatment plans, providing seamless care across a spectrum of health services, including behavioral health, primary care, housing, and social services. This role is essential for managing transitions, reducing hospitalizations, and improving outcomes by working collaboratively with healthcare providers, community agencies, legal systems, and the clients’ families.
Key Responsibilities:
• Client Advocacy and Support:
- Advocate on behalf of AOT participants and their families, ensuring they receive timely and comprehensive services.
- Facilitate communication between service providers, including mental health professionals, housing agencies, and legal entities, to ensure coordinated care that complies with civil court orders.
• Care Coordination and Planning:
- Develop and maintain individualized treatment and recovery plans in collaboration with clinical staff, ensuring that all plans align with court-mandated AOT requirements.
- Ensure that clients receive comprehensive care across multiple service providers, including acute, chronic, and behavioral health services.
- Work with families, peers, and clinical teams to remove barriers to treatment and recovery.
• Collaboration with Partners:
- Establish and maintain formal relationships with external agencies, including mental health providers, housing services, and legal representatives.
- Serve as a liaison between the AOT team, hospitals, primary care providers, and community resources to ensure clients transition smoothly between care settings.
• Monitoring and Documentation:
- Track client progress and ensure adherence to AOT treatment plans through regular contact, monitoring appointments, and addressing non-compliance issues.
- Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations, entering client data into SPARS and other systems as required.
- Provide regular updates to the AOT Project Director and the AOT team regarding client outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Crisis Intervention and Support:
- Respond to crisis situations by coordinating with emergency services and other support systems to stabilize clients and ensure they remain engaged in the AOT program.
- Support clients in accessing community-based services, such as housing and employment support, to improve their long-term stability and recovery.
• Training and Development:
- Attend mandatory trainings, including trauma-informed care, HIPAA, forensic mental health, and other relevant areas to stay up to date with best practices in care coordination for AOT participants.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 3-5 years of experience in social services, behavioral health, criminal justice, or care coordination, preferably with individuals experiencing severe mental illness (SMI).
- Knowledge of community resources and services, particularly those relevant to mental health, housing, and criminal justice.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-pressure situations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using client management software (e.g., SPARS).
- Ability to manage confidential information and comply with HIPAA regulations.
Thank you for your interest in Hillcrest Children and Family Center. Due to the high volume of applications, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.