Senior Mental Health Advocate

The Senior Mental Health Advocate is responsible for implementing the PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives) evidence-based program in Winnebago County. This position focuses on identifying, screening, problem solving and supporting older adults experiencing symptoms of depression. The Senior Mental Health Advocate will provide outreach, education, and case management services, connect clients to licensed mental health providers, and collaborate with community partners to promote mental health awareness and access to care for older adults.

The duties listed below are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities for this position. This role requires the exercise of independent judgment, discretion, and initiative while adhering to agency policies and procedures. Strict confidentiality must be maintained in all matters.

The employee in this position is responsible for performing the following essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Conduct outreach and identify older adults living with or at risk of depression.
• Educate individuals, families, and professionals about mental health in older adults, including signs, symptoms, and available resources.
• Administer depression screenings using validated assessment tools.
• Provide case management services, including in-home visits, to support protective factors and connect clients to appropriate services.
• Coordinate and refer at-risk older adults to licensed mental health treatment providers.
• Work collaboratively with internal staff and external partners to achieve grant-funded program outcomes.
• Participate in the Learning Network Collaborative and other community initiatives.
• Assist the Program Supervisor in developing collaborative agreements and referral partnerships with mental healthcare providers.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of program activities, data, and outcomes.
• Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor while in the field.
• Maintain timely and accurate required documentation of service given to clients.
• Participation in activities and events to promote agency services, may include giving presentations at various locations on benefits and services, is required.
• Attend required trainings as directed by the Supervisor, Director, CEO or CHRO to remain current on all internal policies, applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area at all times.
• Consistently reflect the agency's image through professional appearance, conduct, and communication.
• Uphold and promote Lifescape's mission, values, and commitment to client-centered care.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Lifescape Administration to support the mission and needs of the agency.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to travel to community-based locations, including senior centers and partner sites.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to move, transport, or lift materials and supplies up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor/community environments, which may include exposure to varying weather conditions, including cold and hot temperatures.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends as required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.