REACH - Regional, Education, Assessment, Crisis Services, Habilitation REACH is a 24/7 mobile crisis intervention program that provides crisis support to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The goal of the program is to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and to provide them opportunities to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs and consistent with their informed choice. REACH provides in-home and community based crisis assistance services to individuals and their families in order to improve the quality of life and decrease facility and hospitalization placements. This class provides direct short term crisis residential services for individuals served with intellectual and developmental and behavioral health disabilities. Supervises full and part time staff engaged in residential care. Responsible for the overall program management of planned and unplanned residential respite component of REACH services. CLASS SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the position is responsible for performing regional clinical and coordination services as part of the HPR-V REACH Clinical team. Incumbent is a core member of the REACH crisis response team. Performs preliminary mental status assessments and short-term crisis intervention primarily at the CSB assigned; however, may provide services across the region. Makes referrals or coordinates admissions to treatment services, may train or provide consultation of other staff on an assigned shift or in an area of specialization. DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS: I. IMPACT: The health and safety of the client and affected others are directly dependent on the work of this class. The incumbent's ability to assess and de-escalate the psychological crisis of the client directly affects the immediacy and appropriateness of the crisis resolution and the extent of subsequent injury or property damage. II. LATITUDE: Work is regularly performed independently typically without the assistance of senior staff member, however, assistance or consultation is available from the REACH clinical team. Assigned to a CSB in HPR V, however may provide services across the region on a Rotating on call basis. III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: May supervise mental health support workers and direct support staff in the provision of in home support services and crisis response. The incumbent may assist in the orientation and training of less experienced counselors assigned to the shift. IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Work involves direct and continuous contact with individuals referred to the program, their families and other support groups. The incumbent interfaces with a variety of others, internal and external, to the agency. These include: physicians, hospital staff, social services staff, legal representatives, law enforcement personnel, school staff, training center staff and ID Directors, Case Managers and other community services board staff across the region. V. DIFFICULTY: Work entails the timely assessment of individuals referred to the REACH program who have an Intellectual disability and mental health or behavioral issues. The Work is typically performed under stressful, emotionally charged circumstances. Assessments may be complicated by clients affected by multiple disabilities. Serves on call on a rotating basis. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Work involves direct counseling requiring careful and precise use of language. Position regularly involves the preparation of documentation, correspondence, technical records and reports. VII. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY: Incumbent frequently operates a vehicle and may occasionally operate agency vehicle. VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbent performs some work in an office environment, however, much of the work requires visits to clients' homes of varying sanitary and health conditions in neighborhoods of varying security during all hours of the day and night. Work is with CSBs in Health Planning Region five, HPR V. IX. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA'S): Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques involved in assessment and crisis intervention for individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities. Knowledge of Human Rights, Patient Rights and Confidentiality. Knowledge of capacity to Consent for Treatment. Knowledge of risk assessment. Familiarity with Local Resources and Procedures. Thorough knowledge of person centered thinking practices. Thorough knowledge of the treatment providers and admission procedures for the region served. Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain rapport with the client population. Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and with private and public agency personnel. Demonstrates ability to function calmly in stressful situations. Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively and prepare documentation. Demonstrates ability to maintain client records. Thorough knowledge of DSM manual. Show initiative in pursuing and attending trainings available that are relevant to this position. Takes lead in response. X. LICENSURE: Valid Virginia Driver's License. Must provide proof of registration for supervision toward licensure with the LPC or LCSW Virginia Licensing Board within 90 days of employment. XI. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLASS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY): Responsible for the implementation of REACH Team supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and intense behavioral needs. Maintains linkages and relationships with community partners. Ensures the coordination of support meetings and crisis plans for individuals served through VA REACH supports. Provides 24/7/365 response to crisis situations according to on-call schedule. Participates in required meetings with Team Members, REACH Director, and clinical staff. Coordinates individuals care with identified CSB/BHA Case Manager/Support Coordinator. Coordinates individual care with applicable crisis responder. Identifies and coordinates necessary training and technical assistance needs for providers, natural supports and other components of the system of care. Collects and enters required data and produces documentation on consumer access and utilization of VA REACH services. Coordination with REACH Respite Manager regarding admission and discharge of individuals supported by the program. Responds to crisis intervention calls and implements stabilizing interventions. Performs work independently and successfully as demonstrated in employee CEPA process. Does related work as required. Transports clients as necessary. Community work required; will transport clients as necessary. Travel required throughout HPR-V Region (Chesapeake CSB, Colonial Behavioral Health, Eastern Shore CSB, Hampton-Newport News CSB, Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck CSB, Norfolk CSB and Eastern Tidewater CSB). XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some walking, moving, carrying, climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling. Ability to restrain and/or run from aggressive or hostile clients. |
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