UNDER 21 INC
Grant: $150,331 - Health Resources and Services Administration - Mar. 27, 2009
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Award Description: The purpose of the IDS award is to hire staff that will coordinate their efforts in working to improve the health and stability of youth with mental health issues. The majority of these homeless at-risk shelter youth, age 21 and under, are present with mental health/behavioral issues. Several are from disadvantaged homes and many others have cycled repeatedly through the foster care system. As a result of the above, most are uncertain of their health status and/or the existence of previous health records. In addition, the few existing placement sites require a completed physical exam and a 30-day supply of any required medications for the client. It is also anticipated that once the mid-level provider is hired this individual will perform clinical evaluations and thus reduce the prolonged waiting time experienced by clients, which is often a complaint we hear from the clients during our quarterly Youth Advisory Meetings. The LMSW and mid-level provider individual will coordinate their efforts of intercommunication so as to facilitate timely medical evaluations of medication administration, compliance and the ultimate goal of stabilization in preparation for housing placement of the youth.
Project Description: The overall goal of facilitating timely mental health assessment and physical exams is not yet accomplished, in that, the agency is still in the process of securing the services of a mid-level provider. Current on-site providers are working avidly to meet the healthcare needs of the increasing number of clients. An initial assessment and physical exam, education/courses for a new client often takes 45 minutes while a mental health visit requires a hour or more. The LMSW, since her September 2009 employment, has evaluated 25 individuals. The completion of psycho-socials will reduce the mental health provider's time, and thus will again enable increased placement opportunities. The reporting period of June 2009 - Sept 2009, the mental health program has successfully placed 5 individuals. Three out five clients (60%) are Medicaid recepients and have active medicaid cards. It is anticipated that a mid-level provider will be hired in the upcoming quarter.
Jobs Summary: Covenant House New York has successfully hired a LMSW. She was hired on September 2009, and she has since then completed her internal agency orientation. She now provides oversight to the Psychiatric Day Program, and directly supervises the staff of that program. These staff members offer our youth life skills training and assistance with obtaining and completing the documents needed for permanent supportive housing. Since her employment on September 2009, the LMSW has provided 25 counseling sessions to youth. Interview for the mid-level provider remains unsuccessful during this reporting period. Feedback from prospective employees have highlighted the inadequency of the salary being offered in our agency. All three have obtained more lucrative positions. Our only option is to consider a full-time PA using the allocated funds from this grant to pay for a portion of this individual's salary to aid us in hiring this individual at this time. The Human Resources Department is seeking the support of another temporary agency to facilitate a successful response to the recruiting process. (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: More than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Mar. 27, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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