Founded in 1980, McClendon Center is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit mental health agency providing outpatient behavioral healthcare services to individuals with serious mental illnesses in the District of Columbia. Our consumers represent the diverse population of the District with mental disorders ranging from schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar.

Our services seek to create an environment that fosters independence, creativity, friendship, stability, and greater participation in the community for our consumers. Additionally, with psychiatrists, nurses, dieticians, social workers, and case managers on staff, we are able to assess the mental and health needs of our clients, and identify and implement the appropriate treatment plan.

We are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and are a community based service provider for the District of Columbia certified by the DC Department of Behavioral Health.

As a Group facilitator, the Mental Health Specialist is required to be a creative self starter, bringing positive energy and a willingness to work in a team environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working with adults with Serious & Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and a desire to work in recovery-based care.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

•    Assists with psychosocial assessments and treatment planning, which includes maintaining accurate records of consumer progress.
•    Implements treatment plans under clinical supervision.
•    Maintains comprehensive, accurate, thorough, and contemporaneous documentation on the treatment plan, daily progress notes, unusual incident reports, attendance, discharge summaries, etc.
•    Facilitates and leads consumer groups.
•    Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions as appropriate.
•    Conducts individual meetings as necessary with consumers, family members, significant others, other agency’s staff members, etc.
•    Assists with social service needs as directed by the clinical team, maintaining contacts with local agencies and civic organizations in a consumer advocacy role.
•    Works with volunteers, interns, and other Center staff in planning and promoting Center activities which meet the individual needs of each consumer.
•    Establishes contact with potential referral sources within the community including both inpatient facilities and outpatient community-based programs to generate intake referrals.
•    Maintains the confidentiality of consumers at all times and operates within the Code of Ethics of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. 
•    Develops familiarity with JCAHO, Medicaid, and DBH standards and compliance requirements, and assists in maintaining JCAHO accreditation and MHRS certification.
•    May perform other duties as assigned.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

•    Ability to coordinate with a multi-disciplinary team within an outpatient mental health agency.
•    A superior communicator, who shares information readily and concisely, listens as well as gives advice and respects the abilities of others.
•    Knowledge of sound ethical practices and principles related to the care of mental health consumers.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•    Excellent computer skills, to include operating Microsoft Office Suite programs.
•    Knowledge and ability to navigate an Electronic Medical Record (EMR), including data entry.
•    Ability to relate to adults diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness, using knowledge of concepts, principles, and theories related to mental health and mental illness.
•    Ability to perform amicably in an environment serving the seriously and persistently mentally ill adult population.
•    Ability to respect and uphold client confidentiality.
•    Ability to exhibit a high level of organizational skills and able to prioritize and multi-task without direct supervision.

•    Bachelor’s Degree in a social science or related field. Master’s degree highly preferred.
•    One (1) to four (4) years of experience in a social services or nonprofit environment.  Experience in a mental health or similar agency is highly desired.
•    Must possess a minimum of one year of experience facilitating group activities and social services.
•    Resident of the District of Columbia preferred.

• Competitive base salary ($42,900 - $50,500 annually) based on experience.

• Incentive programs
• Excellent benefits including 100% employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Short & Long

* Term Disability & Life Insurance

• AFLAC Supplemental Benefits
• Employer Contributions Towards 403(b)
• Four weeks combine of Vacation and Sick Leave
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition stipend

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Opportunity for supervision

Physical Demands: The position requires moderate physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping and standing for periods of time.

If you are ready for a new challenge in your professional career, submit your cover letter and resume online.

Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Failure to attach a cover letter and/or a resume may disqualify you from further consideration. 

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

McClendon Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or disability.

No phone calls, please. Note: McClendon Center is not accepting resumes or referrals from agencies. If you are a recruiter, search firm, or employment agency, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if McClendon Center hires the candidate.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.