Mental Health Clinician

The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) is an acclaimed human services organization and one of the nations largest providers of housing and social services. CUCS provides integrated programs that link housing, health, and social services for individuals who are homeless, low-income, living with mental illness, or have other special needs in New York City.

The Mental Health Clinician will provide a full range of person-centered services, both on-site and community-based, to a caseload of clients, including but not limited to, counseling, psychotherapy, assessment-based treatment planning, ancillary services, groupwork, and concrete services. While not a supervisory position, the Mental Health Clinician is expected to understand and support management activities that involve guiding or supporting the team when necessary. This role requires a blend of clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and excellent interpersonal skills. CUCS invites applications for a Mental Health Clinician at The Hegeman.

The Hegeman is a permanent supportive housing residence located in Brownsville, Brooklyn, for 160 low income tenants, many of whom have histories of mental illness, homelessness, and substance abuse. The building has a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Safety Design) silver rating and includes a 24/7 attended lobby, a community garden, a computer room, and a fitness room. CUCS provides comprehensive on-site social services using a person-centered and recovery orientation, which include evidence based practices such as Supported Employment, Motivational Interviewing, and Wellness Self Management, with particular emphasis on mental health, chemical dependency and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. This property in managed by Breaking Ground.

The Mental Health Clinician will provide a full range of person-centered, strengths-based clinical services to a caseload of approximately 25-30 individuals with the objective to help people live full and satisfying lives in the community. Services include case management, entitlements assistance, counselling, advocacy, referrals and information, crisis intervention, engagement, monitoring, regular outreach, psycho-education, escorting to various appointments within the community, and coordination of care with outside service providers.

The Mental Health Clinician is additionally expected to assist in program planning, development and implementation of group services with particular emphasis on mental health, chemical dependency and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Additional responsibilities include involvement in evidence based practices such as Supported Employment and Motivational Interviewing, as well as close collaboration with the teams Clinical Supervisor in leadership of the team to meet contractual obligations and achieve program success while fulfilling CUCSs core purpose, values and vision.

A comprehensive job description outlining full duties and responsibilities will be provided upon hire.

Section 1. Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Build relationships and work collaboratively with clients to develop and implement effective service plans.
• Coordinate and deliver comprehensive services and referrals to meet client needs. Assist clients with self-administration and delivery of medication in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement service plans that incorporate client goals, employment and education interests, support systems, medical and mental health diagnoses, substance use history, medication regimens, risk factors, collateral contacts, and psychosocial history.
• Conduct mental health evaluations and assessments, including mental status examinations, psychosocial assessments, and diagnoses in accordance with the most recent DSM, as applicable.
• Conduct intake and initial assessments to determine eligibility, service needs, and appropriate program placement.
• Complete ongoing assessments to monitor client progress, revise service plans, and ensure alignment with program goals and requirements.
• Provide psychotherapy and counseling services, including substance use counseling, to promote medical and psychiatric stability.
• Provide advanced crisis intervention using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach. Support Case Managers as needed and coordinate with emergency services. Conduct in-reach to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, jails, and nursing homes to support discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Engage and coordinate care with external providers, collateral contacts, and social supports. Provide ancillary services including outreach, intake, escort, and recreational activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all agency policies regarding client privacy.
• Provide group-based services, including evidence-based practice groups, therapeutic groups, wellness self-management sessions, and activity-based groups.
• Assist clients in accessing federal, state, and local benefits, including identifying programs, completing applications, escorting clients to appointments, and tracking renewals.
• Support clients in managing financial resources, including providing representative payee services.
• Attend required trainings to support clients in obtaining benefits in accordance with program and funder requirements.
• Facilitate housing placement by identifying appropriate options, assisting with applications and documentation, coordinating with housing providers, and supporting clients through the search, transition, and move-in process.
• Monitor clients post-placement and conduct follow-up outreach in accordance with agency policies.
• Assist clients in maintaining housing, including managing arrears, completing annual recertifications, preparing for inspections, and communicating with landlords or property management.
• Support activities of daily living, including hygiene, personal care, laundry, cleaning, pest remediation, hoarding mitigation, and preparation for inspections.
• Conduct in-home visits and support clients in maintaining safe and clean living environments.
• Provide services both onsite and in the community, including accompanying clients to appointments, interviews, and other required engagements.
• Facilitate or lead team meetings as assigned and provide clinical guidance during crises. Support team operations in the absence of the Clinical Supervisor.
• Support staff with client assessments, coordinate care with psychiatric and medical providers, and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up on referrals.
• Lead policy review sessions, provide in-service training, and supervise interns as applicable.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in designated systems, including progress notes, service plans, assessments, and benefit-related documentation, in compliance with agency and funder requirements.
• Maintain required monthly contact hours with clients and/or collaterals.
• Monitor client progress and adjust service plans as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Section 2. Expectations

• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision by setting clear agendas, providing timely updates, and integrating feedback into practice. Seek guidance as needed and follow management direction.
• Maintain professional conduct by fostering respectful and collaborative relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, and accountability while adhering to agency policies and ethical standards.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by participating in meetings, trainings, and program initiatives. Complete assignments within established deadlines.
• Provide leadership and support to ensure effective service delivery and serve as a clinical and programmatic resource to staff.
• Support site-based resource development and apply subject matter expertise to enhance team functioning and program outcomes.
• Exercise sound clinical and operational judgment, proactively assess situations, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Manage time and attendance in accordance with agency policies, including maintaining schedule adherence, coordinating coverage, and following call-out procedures.

• Masters degree in social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, public administration, public health, human services, psychology, or related field required
• Relevant pre or post masters or internship experience preferred.
• LMSW, LMHC, preferred.

• Masters degree in social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, public administration, public health, human services, psychology, or related field required
• 2 years relevant pre or post Masters experience (excludes internships) required
• LMSW, LMHC preferred

Benefits We Offer:

• Annual Time Off Benefits: 17 days of PTO for new hires, 20 days of PTO after 1 yr of service, 27 days of PTO after 5 yrs of service, 10 Sick days, 3 personal days, 12 paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan, Employer contribution and match contribution after 2 years of service
• Pre-tax savings plan (including Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefit Plan)
• Transit Subsidy
• Paid Family Leave; Short-Term Disability insurance
• Health Savings account
• Life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement