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
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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.
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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.
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Assist with medication organization and adherence support as allowed by agency policy (not medication administration).
Community Integration & Supportive Services
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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
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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
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Complete timely, accurate, Medicaid-compliant rehabilitation documentation, including daily progress notes and other required records.
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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
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Collaborate with therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, peer support specialists, case managers, and other internal and external service providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
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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
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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
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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
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Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and agency initiatives that support quality improvement and fidelity to evidence-based practices.
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Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor consistent with the scope of a Mental Health Associate I in behavioral health settings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Required: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, or other Medicaid-recognized behavioral health field, not pursuing a master’s degree.
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Required: Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills; ability to convey a positive and professional attitude with clients, families, and staff.
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Required: Ability to work independently in community (varies by program) and program settings and to safely navigate varied environments (homes, apartments, shelters, community agencies).
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Required: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance; ability to travel throughout the designated service area.
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Preferred: Experience working with justice-involved and/or high-risk individuals
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Preferred: Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care
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Preferred: Experience in behavioral health, homelessness services, supportive housing, psychiatric rehabilitation, or case management.
JOB REQUIREMENTS / EXPECTATIONS:
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Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Oriented Care: Deliver person-centered, trauma-informed psychiatric rehabilitation services that promote recovery, independence, self-determination, and community integration.
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Housing Support: Provide community-based rehabilitation interventions that build independent living skills, support symptom self-management, enhance housing stability, and strengthen tenancy success through education, advocacy, and problem-solving.
- Community-Based Service Delivery: Deliver services in homes and community settings, meeting individuals where services are most effective while supporting engagement and recovery (if offered by the program).
- Care Coordination & Community Partnerships: Collaborate with healthcare providers, housing partners, landlords, community agencies, and natural supports to coordinate services and address housing and recovery needs.
- Social Determinants of Health: Assist individuals in overcoming barriers related to housing, transportation, employment, education, healthcare, income, and other factors affecting recovery and stability.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintain timely, accurate, person-centered documentation that demonstrates medical necessity, rehabilitation interventions, participant progress, and compliance with Kentucky Medicaid, CCBHC standards, and agency policies.
- Professional Responsibilities: Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, effective communication, cultural humility, accountability, and participation in supervision, training, and quality improvement activities.
- Work Requirements: Provide services in office and/or community settings, maintain the ability to safely travel throughout the service area, meet physical demands of community outreach with reasonable accommodations as applicable, and maintain a valid driver's license and required insurance when operating a personal vehicle for agency business.
- Performance Standards: Performance is evaluated based on service quality, participant engagement and outcomes, documentation compliance, productivity, collaboration, adherence to agency policies, and contribution to program and recovery goals.
CORE VALUES:
All employees must be willing to live our company's core values.
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Integrity – Exhibiting the highest moral, ethical and legal standards. Doing the right thing – even when no one else is looking.
- Teamwork – Putting team success over personal success. Actively valuing the strengths and talents of others.
- Trust/Respect– Seeing and believing in the good intentions of others. Interacting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. Listening without judging. Offering understanding and acceptance.
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Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.
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Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one’s work, actions and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.
