GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Behavioral Health Access Specialist provide support to individuals and families to access behavioral health supports, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and Food Assistance. This role involves assisting individuals and their families in completing applications, gathering required documents, and navigating/requesting needed services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Other:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services related program; AND two (2) years of recent human services or peer mentor experience preferred.
• Work and/or life experience with participants with developmental, emotional and/or physical impairments valued.
• Experience working with Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare programs preferred.
• Experience with the behavioral health system including Oakland Community Health Network and/or Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network preferred.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to communicate with participants, public and co-workers.
• Composition skills sufficient to prepare required documentation.
• Strong MS Office, Work, Excel, Outlook skills
• Valid Michigan driver's license; driving record must be sufficient to meet safe driving

standards as established by Agency insurance carrier and will be run annually along with criminal background check, to comply with funding source requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist participants with sustaining their independence and financial security by identifying services and programs that are available to them.
• Assist participants in applying for and accessing Community Mental Health and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
• Help participants navigate the Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security system, gain access to public and private benefits, and any related legal rights to obtaining these benefits.
• Help participants fill out applications to gain or retain benefits, programs and services.
• Review documentation to assist with eligibility requirements, maintain and review current cases, and help participants understand their benefits.
• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify participants through team meetings, outreach, and referrals.
• Interview the participant to identify their needs.
• Communicate with guardians, responsible relatives, caregivers and others involved in the life of the individual, as authorized.
• Provide education and/or training on issues affecting the rights, services and benefits.
• Maintain case records and complete other mandatory documentation, maintaining confidentiality of program participants and family care partners.
• Track outcomes and complete, submit and maintain reports as required.
• Serve on agency committees as appointed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental conditions:

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.

Physical requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, reach, stoop, kneel to install computer equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting in required.
• Work involves the ability to work flexible hours and travel to local community sites.

Accommodation(s):

As appropriate and fiscally reasonable.