Job Summary:
The Unit Leader reports directly to the President of Fountain House.
Central to the successful performance of the Unit Leader position is the concept of management through partnership. The Unit Leader will be called upon to consult or otherwise work in conjunction with a variety of other senior staff, experienced members and others in order to successfully fulfill the roles and functions of the job.
The Unit Leader directly supervises all unit staff, is accountable for the well-being and progress of the members of the unit; the competency and proficiency of the staff of the unit and is responsible and accountable for the quality, quantity and timeliness of the work functions and/or products of the unit. The expectation for Unit Leaders is that they work closely and collaboratively with members and staff, of their unit and around the clubhouse, to achieve the goals of Fountain House, as articulated through the Fountain House vision and mission statements, and, in so doing, foster an atmosphere of collegiality and congeniality that facilitates implementing and sustaining the basic philosophy of the clubhouse, in congruence with the International Standards for Clubhouses.
Job Functions:
Provide leadership in the areas summarized above, using the following methodologies:
1. Supervision, support and guidance of unit staff in their development and performance, as well as their participation in the larger Fountain House community.
2. Role modeling for member and staff through engagement and working alongside unit members, performing unit tasks.
3. Ensuring that members have access to all necessary and desired opportunities up to and including assisting members with all aspects of community support services (including paid work, housing and entitlements).
4. Participation and leadership in hiring, nurturing, and when necessary, terminating unit staff. Promote staff and member participation.
5. Responsible for developing and overseeing ongoing quality improvement efforts.
6. Co-management of Transitional Employment Placements, with an eye to developing co-managers as better TE managers, as well as expanding the TE, SE and IE system by actively seeking out additional paid work opportunities as they may arise through TE or other contracts.
7. Active participation in the maintenance of the unit and Fountain House in general.
8. Ensure that unit staff prepare and submit paperwork (including monthly progress notes, reports, etc.), in a consistent and timely manner.
9. Coordinate Unit coverage and participation in House-wide activities, events and duties such as; High Point; House and Community meeting; colleague and in-house training; orientation of new staff and members, etc.
10. When scheduled, perform other roles, such as early morning house opening, evening and weekend shifts, etc.
11. Signing off on progress notes, as well as using Awards to update goals and record member progress.
12. Understand implement and provide guidance and supervision while adhering to Fountain House administrative, fiscal and personnel policies and procedures.Other Requirements or Preferred Characteristics:
1. Masters in social work or another human services field preferred; BA minimum requirement with at least three years of experience in mental health;
2. Understanding and knowledge of mental illness, including previous relevant paid employment experience, education and life experience;
3. Positive, energetic, dynamic and engaging personality;
4. Flexibility, as demonstrated by interchangeability with other staff on the unit, as well as throughout Fountain House, staying late or arriving early, if necessary, to fulfill unit or member needs;
5. Excellent organizational skills that promote system design and development, at the unit level, that maximizes accessibility of the work for all members and staff, while ensuring a timely and quality product;
6. Pride and a sense of ownership and investment in the clubhouse;
7. Person-oriented and centered team approach, as evidenced by and through building partnerships and alliances that start with the individuals and coalesce into stronger entities through a synergistic effect, building off of individual strengths and talents to formulate a tightly meshed and supportive community;
8. Commitment to, and understanding of, the International Standards for Clubhouses, meaning an ability to define the Standards through actions, role-modeling and verbal communications and discussions and;
9. Computer knowledge, with an interest and ability to learn Information Technology and encourage staff and members of the unit to take advantage of the Fountain House trainings and technologies that are available.
If interested, please familiarize yourself with the information on this Web site. To apply, submit your resume with cover letter to any of the following:
Email: hrfhresume@yahoo.co.nz
Fax: 212-664-0146
Fountain House
ATTN: Human Resources
437 West 47 Street
New York, NY 10036
No phone calls please. EEO
