In Reach and Engagement Specialist (Hybrid, North Carolina Based)

The In Reach and Engagement Specialist provides an essential function of the Transition to Community Living (TCL) program by supporting members with information about, and assistance with, accessing services and community resources to improve the individual’s health outcomes and aid in successful community living. The In Reach and Engagement Specialist also supports MCO efforts through a combination of activities with various public and private agencies, development of processes and agreements to address critical community needs of individuals participating in TCL, and foster relationships and partnerships to aid in the identification and referral to Alliance of individuals that meet special needs or high-risk criteria.  This position is also responsible for administering key assessments to help determine community needs and working in collaboration with several internal teams.

This position will require the successful candidate to travel weekly to meet with members in Goldsboro North Carolina, and to also travel throughout the Johnston, Harnett and Cumberland counties, up to 4 days a week as needed. Also, they will be required to work onsite at the Alliance home office (Morrisville, North Carolina, one [1] day a week. 

Responsibilities & Duties

• Complete Assessments  
• Assess an individual’s interest in community inclusion, educating about transitions to community living and other housing options, service that may be available to them including employment opportunities (IPS-SE), supported housing and housing preferences
• Resolve disparities identified and document resolution of needs for members living in institutionalized settings 
• Engage and Educate Members
• Working knowledge of recovery principles that cultivate the belief, hope and understanding for members who otherwise may not believe or have been told that they are unable to live outside of an institution 
• Working knowledge of employment and education opportunities to maximize quality of life
• Build trust and establish rapport, by using person centered dialog to effectively communicate with individuals
• Provide face to face and field/community-based support to each member as needed
• Educate individuals about services covered under the NC Plan for Medical Assistance, Medicaid 1915 b/c waiver, or the State funded service array
• Educate members and families about provider choice, person-centered planning, using cultural competence and available local resources
• Explain the benefits and financial aspects of Supported Housing, as well as other community based integrated settings
• Explore and address the concerns of individuals who decline the opportunity to move to supported housing or who are ambivalent about moving to supported housing, despite being eligible for transition to community living
• Ensure members receive information and education about choice of services, supports, housing and community based resources including the advantages or disadvantages 
• Connect Members to Services and Housing Supports
• Provide linkage to ongoing peer support services in Alliance benefit plan
• Assist families in linking and advocating for appropriate services
• Facilitate and accompany individuals on site visits to permanent housing
• Provide education and training on tenancy rights
• Identify, problem solve, and work to address support needs for members with housing insecurity
• Follows members throughout the transition and community living process as needed 
• Support the member to complete housing applications
• Collaborate with the Alliance Care Team, Community Health and Well-Being, and Alliance Departments
• Attend all required meetings related to care planning and provider engagement
• Notify Care Manager of any new service needs identified during service monitoring
• Work with Community Health and Well-Being to maximize member experience and to build social capital in member’s community of choice
• Develop in-depth knowledge of various community systems and provide consultation and technical assistance to Alliance clinical departments regarding available resources
• Engage with Providers and with External Stakeholders
• Collaborate and consult with local stakeholders to enhance and expand available resources
• Build partnerships with public and private mental health agencies, DSS, DJJ, and community partners, to develop programs and resources to increase family involvement in care delivery
• Represent Alliance in System of Care activities to ensure an integrated System of Care approach for child and adult service systems
• Educate and provide technical assistance to agencies and partners regarding the availability of local services, methods for accessing services, the