Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist

As the only comprehensive AIDS service organization in its Michigan ten-county area, UNIFIED's mission is to provide HIV related services to the community through compassionate direct care, prevention and outreach activities. We invite you to explore UNIFIED and learn about HIV testing, the depth of services UNIFIED provides and how you can get involved.

Title:        Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist

Details:    Contractual; 10 hours per week

UNIFIED HIV Health and Beyond/Wellness Harm Reduction is seeking a Contractual Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist to work closely with the Harm Reduction Outreach Coordinator and Harm Reduction Outreach Team to identify and refer individuals in need of behavioral healthcare to the Harm Reduction Clinical Therapist. The Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist will actively engage individuals in the community from the Mobile Outreach sites and surrounding areas. The Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist will consult with the Harm Reduction Clinical Therapist as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Build relationships with underserved and marginalized populations in the community and assist with connection/referrals to Harm Reduction Clinical Therapy and to Harm Reduction Case Management when needed.
• Complete required data collection and entry and paperwork in accordance with program and agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to assessments, intake forms, referral forms, and any other funder requirements.
• Use Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care philosophies to work with individuals in the community when engaging them for Behavioral Health Services.
•  Work with Community Partners to identify individuals in need of behavioral health services.
• Engage individuals in dialogue to learn their strengths, needs, preferences, cultural context, concerns, and barriers.
• Utilize incentives when a need arises that can be met, i.e., bus passes if the individual needs transportation to and from agency appointments.
• Ensure follow up appointments are scheduled and attended as needed.
• Promote positive interactions with UNIFIED HIV Health and Beyond/Wellness Harm Reduction and with the community, in order to sustain and enhance program reputation.
• Participate with the UNIFIED HIV Health and Beyond/ Wellness Harm Reduction Team and attend other staff meetings as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Harm Reduction Program Manager.
• Submit monthly invoices for services rendered.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
•  1-year experience working with individuals with behavioral health disorders and or substance use disorder preferred.
• Experience working with underserved and marginalized populations.
• Experience with/Knowledge of Harm Reduction Philosophies.
• Excellent communication skills including written and verbal.
• Outreach experience preferred.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Organizational and effective time management skills are a must.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.