Shelter Mental Health Coordinator

SAWC Mental Health Coordinator Description

Reports to: Program Director

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Mental Health Coordinator assists in guiding and mentoring shelter staff in dealing with mental health crisis, providing trauma-informed care, and in continuous development and refinement of de-escalation skills. The Mental Health Coordinator will act as a representative of SAWC in connection with mental health treatment services, most notably Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. The Mental Health Coordinator must have expertise in de-escalation, strong diagnostic skills, and be familiar with evidence based practices to serve individuals expediting co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The Mental Health Coordinator will work to assist Case Managers and Operation’s Specialists with higher acuity guests aiding them in modifying behaviors to ensure all guests may continue to access shelter services.

The Mental Health Coordinator is also responsible for engaging with clients, assessing their situation and needs, creating individualized service plans, coordinating and providing referrals, and providing support and follow-up. As needed the Mental Health Coordinator will work with clients to create behavioral contracts and apply aspects of harm reduction in order to assist guests in meeting their needs and maintaining access to shelter services. Hours include afternoons and weekends and the role does require flexible hours at times. The Shelter is a 24/7 operation and does not close.

Pay & Benefits:

This is a permanent, full-time position. The annual salary range is $52,000-$60,000. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: platinum medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) paying half of the total deductible; 403(b) retirement matching; flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance, employee assistance program, and bonus opportunities. We are dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Adhere to National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Model and act according to low barrier shelter principles. Work diligently to aid clients in removing barriers to service provision.

2. Participate in person-centered planning including creating individualized service plans for individuals experiencing serious mental illness. Manage treatment interventions on a time-limited basis.

3. Lead shelter staff in dealing with immediate crisis situations including support, coaching, and training of SAWC staff.

4. Understand and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs.

5. Co-facilitate the Grievance Committee and offer client follow up and engagement.

6. Coordinate with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and other community partners on client care and need. Participate in maintaining mental health related programs and partnerships.

7. Support the Housing Crisis Stabilization (HCS) program with medication, crisis management, on call crisis situations, and screen incoming referrals for bed placement.

8. Complete SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Advocacy, and Recovery (SOAR) applications.

9. Be prepared to petition clients when necessary.

10. Prepare materials and train staff, interns, and community partners in protocol to address mental health issues, such as working with suicidality, de-escalation, etc.

11. Design and implement mental health related policies and procedures.

12. Participate in staff meetings to review advocacy and other service issues as needed.

13. Do real-time data entries in HMIS system to ensure that case record is complete and up-to-date.

14. Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.

15. Meet with clients in the community, as needed.

16. Assume coordinator on call rotation with the case management team.

17. Perform other assignments as directed.

Qualifications:

1. Strong diagnostic skills in mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities, and ability to use DSM diagnostic criteria.

2. Minimum of three years experience working in a mental health, counseling, or therapeutic setting.

3. Willingness to adhere to NASW Code of Ethics.

4. Strong organizational skills required.

5. HMIS or similar electronic records system experience strongly preferred.

6. MSW strongly preferred. Comparable master’s degree acceptable.

7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

8. Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Exchange, and use of the Internet in locating resources.

9. Must have a positive attitude, be open to change, and eager to be a part of achieving greater mission of ending homelessness.

10. Excel at operating in a fast pace, community environment.

11. Training in evidence-based practices including mental health first aid, progressive engagement, motivational interviewing, etc.

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment to submit your resume and cover letter by August 25th, 2025. You may also apply on job sites directly. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.