Outreach Co-Op Specialist

Description

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and one (1) day 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Pays $20 per hour

LOCATION:  On the street in either Back Bay/Kenmore/Haymarket North Station or Downtown Crossing, Common, South Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain, East Boston, Logan International Airport, and Mattapan

The Outreach Specialist is an essential position working 65% on the Streets of Boston and 35% in the office.  During the pandemic, teams worked 2-3 days on-site and 2-3 days remotely (schedules will be adjusted as necessary)

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Outreach Specialist will provide outreach and engagement case management services to include identification of chronically homeless individuals, assessment, service planning, referrals for substance abuse/health/mental health care and Housing placement for targeted clients living in a defined area of the streets of Boston as part of a two (2) person team. The Outreach Specialist will utilize a triage assessment tool for persons on the streets assisting with identifying the appropriate level of service need, diverting individuals from homelessness whenever possible. The Outreach Specialist will work closely with the Coordinated Access System, (CAS Match) to match chronically homeless individuals with both needed services, and a housing pathway. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

All Outreach Specialist will possess and exhibit the following competencies in their roles; 

Client Focus: 

Provides service excellence to guests. Responds to needs in a timely, professional, helpful, and courteous manner.  Keeps guests up to date on progress of services they are receiving and changes that affect them. Appropriately prioritizes needs of guests

Attention to Detail: 

Works in a conscientious, consistent and thorough manner. Demonstrates clear understanding of documentation requirements for Outreach Specialist role and maintains current accurate documentation.

Motivating Clients:

 Inspires guest commitment to their own development toward self-management and independent living.   Looks for and uses intervention motivational techniques, including motivational interviewing. Acknowledges achievements. Helps guests identify their long range plans and goals. Maintains and communicates a positive, yet realistic outlook. Uses a variety of approaches to energize and inspire.

Requirements

EDUCATION/TRAINING: 

Preferred:

• Associates degree or 60 college credits and in a human services field and,
• Interest in possible certification in future focused on LADC (LADC and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program Licensing)     or CADC (CADC (Certified Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor) 
• preferred experience working with a homeless population
• Interest in gaining experience delivering community-based case management services to individuals with SUD (Substance abuse disorders), SMI (Serious Mental Illness), and COD (Co-Occurring Disorders).
• Valid driver’s license in good standing

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 

Preferred:

• Some substance abuse, mental health counseling or case management experience
• Knowledge, and experience providing case management services to a complex and vulnerable population
• Knowledge of Stage of Change work as it relates to addiction & MH with individuals experiencing substance abuse, mental      illness, trauma, homelessness and/or other complex disorders   
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse people and situations
• Exposure to (client management software) ETO or HMIS systems
• Strong demonstrated experience in readily applying both motivational interviewing and stage of change work.
• Training in and/or experience providing services to racial, cultural and ethnically diverse populations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred