Mental Health Associate I (55299)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mental Health Associate I provides community-based and clinic-based psychiatric rehabilitation and supportive services to adults with serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and other behavioral health needs served in agency programs. Under the supervision of a QMHP or Program Manager, this position promotes recovery, independent living, stability, and community integration through evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered practices. The Mental Health Associate I assists with day-to-day program operations, delivers skill-building and rehabilitative services in group and individual formats, and collaborates with clients, families, and community partners to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Skill Building

• Plan, supervise, and teach clients in therapeutic skill-building groups and individual sessions focused on activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, symptom self-management, social skills, and community living skills.
• Provide psychiatric rehabilitation interventions that enhance functional abilities, independent living skills, community participation, and overall quality of life consistent with Kentucky Medicaid requirements.
• Support development of recovery-oriented routines and coping strategies in home, program, and community settings.
• Assist with medication organization and adherence support as allowed by agency policy (not medication administration).

Community Integration & Supportive Services

• Assist participants in accessing employment, education, volunteer opportunities, transportation, healthcare, and other community resources.
• Reduce social isolation through community engagement, recreational activities, and facilitation of natural supports and meaningful relationships.
• Provide general supportive services, including problem-solving around daily living challenges, advocacy, and linkage to appropriate resources.

Social Determinants of Health

• Address barriers related to income, food security, transportation, benefits, healthcare access, legal concerns, and housing as they impact recovery and independent living.
• Connect participants with financial assistance, benefits programs, and community resources as needed.

Documentation, Record Keeping, and Compliance

• Complete timely, accurate, Medicaid-compliant rehabilitation documentation, including daily progress notes and other required records.
• Maintain person-centered records that demonstrate medical necessity, interventions provided, participant response, and progress toward treatment and rehabilitation goals, in accordance with Kentucky Medicaid, CCBHC standards (when applicable), and agency policies.
• Gather and enter program data into the agency’s electronic record or designated computer systems for tracking outcomes, billing, and quality improvement.

Care Coordination, Collaboration, and Referrals

• Collaborate with therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, peer support specialists, case managers, and other internal and external service providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary staffing and treatment team meetings as requested.
• Refer clients to other services (e.g., therapy, case management, medical care, housing resources, community supports) as requested or clinically indicated.
• Engage families and natural supports, when appropriate, to promote ongoing care and recovery.

Program Operations and Activities

• Assist with day-to-day program operations, including planning and implementing therapeutic groups, psychoeducational sessions, and recovery-oriented activities.
• Help secure guest speakers and community partners to support program curricula and client education.
• Participate in program goal planning and provide input into budget-related needs, including supplies and activities, as directed by the supervisor.

Training, Flexibility, and Regional Coverage

• Maintain required certifications, including First Aid and CPR, and participate in in-service and continuing education programs.
• Work flexible hours to meet program needs as directed by the supervisor.
• Provide coverage at other agency behavioral health programs or sites within the region when assigned.
• Assist in transporting clients for program-related appointments, services, and community activities when needed and approved.

Other Duties

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and agency initiatives that support quality improvement and fidelity to evidence-based practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor consistent with the scope of a Mental Health Associate I in behavioral health settings.