Behavioral Health Advocate

Salary Range: $48,838.09 To $52,000.00 Annually

Title:

Behavioral Health Advocate

Location:

Sanctuary Place office and scattered sites as assigned

Reports To:

Family Empowerment Team Manager

Status:
Full-time / Exempt

Facing Forward to End Homelessness (Facing Forward) ends the cycle of homelessness for families and individuals by offering hope,helpand housing. Facing Forwardutilizesa Housing First model which provides permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals, families, and veterans. Under this model, we first ensure that clients have a safe stable home andassistclients as theyempower themselves-leadinga forward-facing life. By providing permanent housing and a full array of services, including case management, referrals for substance abuse treatment, mental health issues, education and job training, we give peoplewho experienced homelessnessthe tools they need to reclaim their lives.

Facing Forward is committed to empowering all individuals to envision a brighter future. We are always striving to ensure our approach is reflective of the unique paths which have led people to Facing Forward. We are committed to fostering a diverse,equitable, and inclusive environment where each member of Facing Forward is empowered to be themselves, share ideas, and contribute to the mission and vision of the organization.

We believe that we are stronger together. We want to serve as a foundation, and work in partnership with clients, staff, vendors, and community partners. In unity, we can work to prevent and end homelessness for our clients; to partner and guide them on their journey toward stability, health, and self-sufficiency.

The Behavioral Health Advocate is responsible for supporting Facing Forward participants in achieving improved behavioral, and emotional wellness through care coordination, advocacy, crisis intervention, health education, and community partnership development. This position plays a critical role in strengthening healthcare and behavioral health partnerships to ensure participants have access to trauma-informed .

The Behavioral Health Advocate is part of the Family Empowerment Team and works closely with participants who may experience chronic health conditions, severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and other barriers to housing stability and wellness. This role also supports staff through training and education on best practices when supporting participants with high acuity, complex trauma, and active additions.

This is a full-time position that may require occasional evenings and weekends. This position requires driving and conducting in-home client visits.

• Conduct behavioral health and wellness assessments with participants to identify mental health, substance use, medical, and recovery support needs
• Provide referrals and linkage to behavioral health providers, primary care services, substance use treatment programs, psychiatric care, recovery support services, and community-based resources
• Collaborate with Facing Forward Case Management staff to coordinate participant care plans and address barriers to healthcare access, treatment engagement, and housing stability
• Support participants with navigating healthcare systems, including Medicaid, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and behavioral health providers
• Provide advocacy and support during medical, psychiatric, and substance use-related crises, including de-escalation, safety planning, and coordination with emergency or crisis response systems when appropriate
• Accompany participants to appointments as needed to support treatment engagement, self-advocacy, and continuity of care
• Develop individualized wellness and behavioral health service plans with participants
• Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches in all participant interactions
• Facilitate psycho educational and support groups on topics such as:
• Mental health and wellness
• Substance use and recovery
• Coping skills and emotional regulation
• Healthy relationships and self-care
• Consult with staff regarding participant behavioral health needs and strategies for engagement and stabilization
• Assist participants with obtaining and maintaining benefits and healthcare coverage when related to treatment access and continuity of care
• Support discharge planning and transitions of care for participants returning from hospitals and/or treatment programs
• Maintain accurate documentation of participant interactions, service plans, referrals, and out comes in accordance with agency and funder requirements

• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with hospitals, community mental health providers, recovery programs, detoxification programs, psychiatric providers, and other healthcare organizations
• Represent Facing Forward in community meetings, coalitions, and provider networks related to…