African American Case Manager-Warm Line Operator

NOW HIRING: AFRICAN AMERICAN CASE MANAGER/ WARMLINE OPERATOR

Full-Time Position Available

The African American Family Outreach Program (AAFOP) represents an innovative approach to reaching African American family caregivers of those experiencing mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder. AAFOP provides educational workshops, advocacy, and peer support to family caregivers. What makes AAFOP unique is that our Steering Committee and staff are all family caregivers for loved ones living with mental health conditions/serious mental illness. African American family members and their loved ones are familiar with the sense of being overlooked in institutional settings and receiving services that do not reflect their culture and values. The Case Manager/ Warmline Operator will answer the AAFOP Warmline and provide case management services, including peer support and referrals to culturally appropriate services.

WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary
• Eligible for first pay increase after successful completion of 3-month introductory period
• 100% paid medical and dental insurance coverage for the employee
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401K Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses, Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous time off benefits: 14 paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Years
• Vacation leave 2 weeks per year, increases to 4 weeks by year four of employment
• Paid lunch break
• Hybrid work schedule after successful completion of 3-month introductory period
• Mileage reimbursement for work related travel
• Paid volunteer time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• On the job training
• Opportunities to attend local and state-wide workshops and conferences

The Mental Health Association of Alameda County (MHAAC) is a well-established non-profit organization with long term staff that assists and advocates for people with mental illness and their family members through programs including the Family Education and Resource Center (FERC), the Family Partnership Program (FPP), and Patients' Rights Advocacy (PRA). Together, these programs assist thousands of people with serious mental illness and their family members every year. We envision a world without stigma where people with mental health challenges and their family members are free to live their best lives. MHAAC's current budget is around $5 million.

The African American Case Manager/Warm Line Operator (AAFOP CM/WO) responds to calls that come into the dedicated Warm Line for African American families. supporting loved ones living with mental health conditions. The AAFOP CM/WO will utilize a family driven case management model to provide culturally appropriate support in times of crisis. Families will be supported in completing AB1424 forms and services applications/intakes. Families will be provided with resources and referrals to needed services and with self-care support, including co-facilitating a monthly AAFOP Support Group. Case management services will include assistance navigating the county's behavioral health care system, warm hand-offs to local community services, and advocacy within the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care System and the county's Forensic, Diversion, and Re-entry systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Under the supervision and guidance of the AAFOP Program Director, the African American Case Manager/Warmline Operator's duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Answer and maintain log of calls into the African American Warmline
• Conduct needs assessment and create family driven care plan when needed
• Provide case management services for family members that offers support and linkages to community resources
• Provides logistical support for AAFOP program workshops and events
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with African American care providers to ensure warm handoffs
• Serve as care coordinator with hospital/clinic staff and other service providers to facilitate the inclusion of culturally sensitive options in care plans for African American clients
• Develop and conduct outreach events that target the African American community outreaching to the community and supporting conversations about mental health and to receive input on community needs and interests in mental health
• Initiates conversations with community leaders about mental health issues, concerns, and needs within the African American community

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct personal lived experience as a family caregiver of a loved one who lives with a mental health condition or serious mental illness. Note: education and/or work experience may not be used to meet this requirement
• Bachelors Degree (major in social sciences preferred)
• Minimum 2 years Case Management experience
• Proficiency with MS Office 365 software applications including: Outlook (email), Word (documents), Excel (spreadsheets), and Collaborative Work (Teams)
• Solid written and verbal communication skills and excellent phone manners
• Must have a valid CA drivers license, daily access to a working motor vehicle, maintain legally required auto liability insurance, and have an acceptable motor vehicle report as determined by MHAAC's insurance broker
• Must be able to provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination and proof of booster shots (including booster shot for the current Omicron-Eris variants), if eligible
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint background check by CA DOJ and the FBI

ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting clients during crisis events and/or ongoing situations
• Basic understanding of Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
• Familiarity with the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care System
• Experience delivering services using virtual video-based platforms, such as Zoom

HOURS OF WORK: Full-time (40 hours per week), Tuesday through Saturday 12 noon to 8 pm

WORK LOCATION: 7677 Oakport St., Oakland, CA 94621 Office in the Coliseum Industrial neighborhood of Oakland in a premier building that includes free parking and an onsite gym.

COVID CONSIDERATIONS: All staff are required to show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination and booster shots. Air purifiers in office.

SALARY: $26.50 per hour (approximately $55,120 annually). Eligible for first pay increase after successful completion of three-month introductory period.

The Mental Health Association of Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and/or physical), those who exercise the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

We are also committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster and inclusive and accountable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or participate in the interview process, then please connect with us and describe the specific accommodation requested for your disability-related limitation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time-off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Tuesday to Saturday
• Day shift 12 noon to 8 pm
• Work from home flexibility after successful completion of 3-month introductory period

COVID-19 considerations: All staff are required to show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination and most recently available Omicron-Eris booster shots. Air purifiers in office.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree (Required)

Experience:

• Case Management: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• English

Work Location: One location