Media Contact: Phyllis Jones
(202) 673.1937 desk
(202) 631.3077 mobile
The District of Columbia Department of Mental Health (DMH) is receiving applications for part-time transitional specialist positions to support the recovery process of people with mental illness. The DMH encourages self-identified current or former users of public mental health services or family members who have cared for someone with a mental health illness to apply.
The DMH is holding an informational meeting at 2 pm, Wednesday, August 24, 2011 in Conference Room B, 4th Floor, 64 New York Avenue NE, for interested applicants.
Transitional specialists play a critical role in the recovery process. The primary role of a transitional Specialist is to offer peer support to persons in mental health facilities and community based programs before and after discharge. The Transitional specialist serves as an advocate, role model, and mentor. The transitional specialist supports independence and community integration by helping to build coping and community adjustment skills, including money management and social networking.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and should have completed a peer related recovery course, such as WRAP or BRIDGES, within the last calendar year. Other requirements:
- Able to establish trusting relationships with individuals with mental health or mental health and other co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse
- Full or part time paid or voluntary work experience (not necessarily consecutive)
- Able to work independently and as a member of a team
- Able to work evenings and weekends, if necessary
- Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing
The deadline for submitting resumes and two letters of reference is close of business, Wednesday August 24, 2011. For more information, contact Alvin Hinkle, Chief of Continuity of Care, at (202) 741-0822 or [email protected], or Vivi Smith, Director of the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, at (202) 673-4377 or [email protected].