Mental Health Associate I (55299)

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Assist with medication organization and adherence support as allowed by agency policy (not medication administration).

Community Integration & Supportive Services

• 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

• 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

• Complete timely, accurate, Medicaid-compliant rehabilitation documentation, including daily progress notes and other required records.
• 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

• Collaborate with therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, peer support specialists, case managers, and other internal and external service providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
• 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

• 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

• 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

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and agency initiatives that support quality improvement and fidelity to evidence-based practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor consistent with the scope of a Mental Health Associate I in behavioral health settings.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• Required:Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills; ability to convey a positive and professional attitude with clients, families, and staff.
• Required:Ability to work independently in community (varies by program) and program settings and to safely navigate varied environments (homes, apartments, shelters, community agencies).
• Required: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current automobile insurance; ability to travel throughout the designated service area.
• Preferred:Experience working with justice-involved and/or high-risk individuals
• Preferred:Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care
• Preferred: Experience in behavioral health, homelessness services, supportive housing, psychiatric rehabilitation, or case management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS / EXPECTATIONS:

• 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.

• 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.
• Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.
• Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one’s work, actions and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.