November 12 meeting scheduled to receive applications.

The District of Columbia Department of Mental Health is holding a meeting to receive applications from current or former users of mental health services for part-time transitional specialists positions to work with patients at Saint Elizabeths Hospital who are preparing to reintegrate into the community. A family member who has cared for a person with mental illness also may be considered.

The meeting is at 2 pm, Thursday, November 12, CT-3 conference room, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, 1100 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington, DC.

The Department of Mental Health has established a program to assist Saint Elizabeths long term patients and patients with multiple admissions whose treatment plans call for community based treatment and supports as more appropriate than continued institutionalization.

Transition specialists will participate with the treatment team to provide information on social development and functioning, activities of daily living (self-care, living situation, nutrition, money management), and family structure and relationships.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and must have taken a peer advocacy course offered by DMH within the last calendar year.  Other requirements:

• Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing
• Full or part time paid or voluntary work experience (not necessarily consecutive)
• Able to establish trusting relationships with individuals with mental health or mental health and other co-occurring conditions
• Able to work independently and as a member of a team
• Able to work evenings and weekends, if necessary

For more information, contact Alvin Hinkle, Chief of Continuity of Care, on (202)-741-0822 or [email protected].