Summary: Soteria-Alaska, Inc., an Alaska non-profit
corporation is seeking a Project Manager to spearhead development of a fundable business
plan for a "Soteria" or Soteria-like non-coercive alternative to acute
psychiatric hospitalization to be presented to the Alaska Mental Health Trust
Authority (Trust) at its September 2006, meeting. If funding is approved at that
meeting it is anticipated the Project Manager will transition from a contract position to
an employee to implement the business plan. Soteria or Soteria-like programs employ
the "Soteria Critical Elements" developed by Loren Mosher, MD., and Luc Ciompi,
MD. Those interested should apply by sending letters of interest and resumes or CVs to
hr@soteria-alaska.com by March 1, 2006. The proposal funded by the Trust can be
found at http://soteria-alaska.com/grants/FY06-07PreDev/TrustFinanceCmtee4Feb7-806.pdf
.
Planning Phase. The initial phase is the development of the business
plan, which includes the fiscal, programmatic, outcomes management and operational issues
of setting up the facility. In developing the business plan, the Project
Manager will work as a part of the team with Soteria-Alaska's Boart and consultants. This
team will also work with the major stakeholders, such as the Alaska Division of Behavioral
Health, the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, Alaska Community Mental Health Services
(formerly known as Southcentral Counseling Center), Providence Hospital etc, to help
develop this plan. Specific tasks include:
- Identify and contact relevant community resources in order to assess the need for a
Soteria Program, including numbers and types of users who might benefit from a Soteria
Experience.
- Identify funding resources and develop a strategy for obtaining the funding necessary
for permanent support for the program.
- With Soteria-Alaska's consultants, review licensing requirements for the program and
develop a strategy for complying with these requirements.
- With Soteria-Alaska's consultants, plan the program, including staffing, intake and
discharge systems, and record keeping; identify and contact after-care providers for
program users.
- With Soteria-Alaska's consultants, develop a budget for the program, including
in-service training and administrative support services.
- Work with the community to garner support for the program.
- Other tasks as identified/assigned.
During the planning phase, the Project Manager will be retained through a contract
anticipated to commence June 1, 2006 and continue through the end September.
Contingent Implementation Phase. If the Soteria-Alaska project is
funded at the September, 2006 Trust meeting, the Project Manager position will
become an employee and begin the implementation of the planning process delineated above,
including, but not limited to the following:
- Acquiring the Facility and assuring that all renovations necessary for licensure and
safety are completed.
- Developing written policies and procedures, staff recruitment and training.
- Assisting in the establishment of a a supportive administrative system.
Operations Phase.
While it would still be possible for the project to get derailed even if the project is
funded at the September, 2006 Trust meeting, if the project is funded at that meeting it
is anticipated full operations will commence as soon as possible after July 1, 2007, and
the Project Manager will, under the general supervision of the board of directors, be the
administrator of the program. Responsibilities in the operation phase will be
typical of such a position, including but not limited to:
- Maintain an inviting and safe environment in accordance with the Soteria Critical
Elements.
- Recruit, manage, evaluate, and retain competent employees and volunteers. Maintain
employee and volunteer files that include current resumes, training plans, and
evaluations.
- Develop and coordinate staff and volunteer training to include policies and procedures,
membership responsibilities, de-escalation techniques, blood born pathogens, data
collection and incident reporting.
- Direct daily operations and facility management.
- Develop partnerships and MOA’s with referral and other partner organizations.
- Prepare and present to the board annual budgets
- Supervise all aspects of the organization including but not limited to the selection of
vendors, contractors, equipment, supplies, and building leases.
- Seek out and obtain funds from granting entities and foundations for projects identified
as priorities of the organization and assist the board with fundraising activities.
- Evaluate program user satisfaction and create performance improvement activities.
- Comply with reporting requirements to federal, state, and local funding organizations.
- Serve as chief spokesperson for the organization communicating organization’s
mission, priorities, and objectives.
- Represent Soteria-Alaska. in local and system policy and planning efforts
- Promote and maintain community relationships , including but not limited to the general
public, funding sources, government agencies, and related organizations.