APAIT Position

asian pacific aids intervention team

a division of Special service for groups

job announcement

Title: Mental Health Specialist Division: APAIT/SSG

FLSA: Non-Exempt Supervisor: Nick Truong

Pay Range or Rate: $ 15.44/24 hrs. week

Posting: October 18, 2007 Hire date: Open until filled

SUMMARY

The Mental Health Specialist will be working under the direct supervision of Care Service Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor to provide Mental Health Support to HIV positive and AIDS diagnosed to the Asian Pacific Islanders surrounding Mental Health treatment and HIV/AIDS. The candidate will also be knowledgeable about interventions for both individual and group level counseling as well as HIV pathogenesis and immunology, early intervention with anti retrovirals, adherence and compliance to prescribed medication protocol, side effects management, drug and treatment access, clinical trials and various forms of self care maintenance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1) Conduct client intake into mental health program services.

2) Provide paraprofessional individual counseling and group support under the direction of a professional counselor.

3) Conduct weekly drop-in socialization-model psychosocial treatment activities.

4) Collect data and information, maintain client files, and write monthly reports according to program guidelines and contract requirements

5) Provide paraprofessional emotional support to clients as needed.

6) Educate and promote the availability of psychosocial services to prospective clients.

7) Provide necessary program documentation, including the completion of reports, administration of evaluation tools, and other program related assignments.

8) Attend Unit, Case Conferences, Agency and Community meetings

9) Other activities as required to conduct program and agency objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

1. Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, Psychology or Public Health related fields or 4 years of HIV/AIDS work

2. Proof of employment eligibility, valid California Drivers License and/or California Identification, and yearly automobile insurance

3. Updated tuberculosis test (annual requirement) - read, reviewed and dated by a clinician 6 months prior to employment

4. Ability to coordinate multiple projects & tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment

5. Ability to master a wide range of information, taking initiative and adapt in a team environment

7. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

8. Ability to work with diverse communities (e.g. multi-gender, ethnic, generation, lingual, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, substance use)

9. Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and related issues

10. Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills

11. Great attitude and people skills a must

12. Experience and knowledge of PC hardware and software (Windows, Power Point, Word and Excel a must)

13. Ability to competently conduct trainings and workshops

NON-ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Relevant community health outreach training

2. Experience and knowledge of MS Access and Outlook Software

3. Bilingual in an Asian Language ( Thai, Chinese, Japanese)

4. Knowledge of Asian and Pacific Islander Communities

5. Knowledge of behavior change interventions

6. Excellent writing skills

7.. Four (4) year college degree with emphasis on Public Health related courses

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The incumbent in this position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, natural light from windows
2. Occasional outreach at community festivals, conferences, nightclubs, massage parlors, and other outreach venues that target population frequents. Must be comfortable with environmental conditions at the outreach locations, such as noise level, aggressive patrons, substance use,

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. In the course of performing this job, the incumbent typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, frequent driving, carrying (max.20lbs), lifting (max. 20lbs), listening, and speaking.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The incumbent in this position must be able to accommodate to any/all of the following: constant

Distractions, interruptions; uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; and availability for on call/duty after regular working hours, and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language of others

Please note: All new staff will be fingerprinted within the first (2) weeks of hire. The agency will pay for the cost. Failure to pass fingerprinting clearance will be sufficient cause for dismissal from Special Service for Groups/Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team if employed.

Submit Resume to: Nick Truong, Care Service Program Manager

By Fax: (213) 553-1833 or By E-mail: nickt@apaitonline.org