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Social Practitioner - Communication Unit

Employer
Fountain House
Location
New York City, New York
Closing date
May 22, 2021

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Focus Areas
Human Services, Mental Health / Crisis Intervention
Job Function
Social Work / Counseling
Position Type
Full Time
Degree Level
Bachelors
Willingness to Travel
up to 25%
Experience Level
Administrative

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Social Practitioner is responsible for making sure all elements of social practice are carried out in support of the goals and expectations of the unit in support of members’ (individuals with mental illness) recovery while adhering to the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs. Social Practice is a specialized form of therapy that uses the setting of an intentional community to assist people in their mental health recovery. It focuses on a community-based approach of helping individuals learn new skills, hone their talents, build dignity, develop a sense of belonging, and make progress towards their goals.

The International Standards for Clubhouse Programs, consensually agreed upon by the worldwide Clubhouse community, define the Clubhouse Model of rehabilitation. The principles expressed in these Standards are at the heart of the Clubhouse community’s success in helping people with mental illness to stay out of hospitals while achieving social, financial, educational and vocational goals. The Standards also serve as a “bill of rights” for members and a code of ethics for staff, board and administrators. The Standards insist that a Clubhouse is a place that offers respect and opportunity to its members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform all elements of Social Practice (member engagement, social design, relationship development, continuous assessment & therapeutic intervention and management of transitional environments) with the membership.
  • Support and develop a therapeutic community based on Social Practice and the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs.
  • Utilize the community to design positive interventions to deal with common barriers such as social isolation, poor self-esteem, anxiety, symptom management, and poverty.
  • Responsible for creating access to environments outside of Fountain House that are not therapeutically oriented to build general skills, a sense of confidence, and to support members’ self-efficacy. This includes the provision of on-site support in employment, education, and housing environments outside of Fountain House.
  • Develop relationships with Fountain House members and the community as a whole that can be leveraged to: provide support for positive change and risk-taking; combat social isolation and increase meaningful connections; and introduce members to new opportunities.
  • Engineer various environments and social interactions to create therapeutic results and develop an accessible positive community.
  • Observe and assess experiences with members in a variety of naturalistic environments in order to create specific interventions for individuals’ rehabilitation.
  • Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Maintain compliance with all government agency requirements, company policies and procedures.
  • Overnight travel to High Point Farm, work some holidays including Thanksgiving, some weekend and evening hours.
  • Flexibility, as demonstrated by interchangeability with other staff on the unit, staying late or arriving early, if necessary, to fulfill unit or member needs.
  • Support and fill-in for members in their Transitional Employment (TE) opportunities, if /when needed.
  • Accompany members for a 4-day (overnight) trip to High Point Farm ( visits are annual).
  • Complete all documentation including but not limited to progress notes and reach out documentation on time.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stake-holders.
  • Basic computer and software (MS Office – Word, Excel, and Outlook) proficiency required.
  • Experience with AWARDS database preferred.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
  • Ability to work as part of a team of staff and members and to conduct assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
  • Ability to effectively handle crises in a supportive and professional manner based on training and standard accepted practices.
  • Ability to use a computer for documentation and other purposes.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CREDENTIALS

  • Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience required.
  • Graduate degree or equivalent preferred.
  • 1-2 years’ experience working with individuals with serious mental illness and or/hands on experience working in a community setting preferred.
  • Driver’s License and the ability to drive a van preferred.

Physical Requirements

  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and meet all physical requirements satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

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