Outreach Specialist

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Monday – Friday, evenings and weekends (only as needed during inclement weather and as directed by program needs)

Pays Starting at $23.48 - $30.00 per hour DEO (Salary ranges provided are based on relevant experience and skill set) 

LOCATION: 105 Chauncy St and community-based work on the streets of Boston

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Outreach Specialist will provide outreach, engagement, and case management services to street sleeping individuals in the city of Boston. This includes the identification of chronically homeless individuals, assessment, service planning, referrals for substance abuse/health/mental health care, and housing placement for targeted clients sleeping on the streets of Boston as part of a two person team. The Outreach Specialist will assess individuals on the streets, assisting with identifying the appropriate level of service need and diverting individuals from homelessness whenever possible. The Outreach Specialist will work closely with the Coordinated Access System to match chronically homeless individuals with needed services and a housing pathway.

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 the Outreach Specialist role and maintains current, accurate documentation.
• Motivating Clients: Inspires guest commitment to their own development toward autonomy and independent living. Looks for and uses intervention techniques, including motivational interviewing and solution-focused discussions. Acknowledges achievements. Helps guests identify their long-term plans and goals. Maintains and communicates a positive, yet realistic outlook. Uses a variety of approaches to energize and inspire.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or GED, AND
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with a homeless population and experience delivering community-based case management services to individuals with SUD, COD and SMI
• Valid MA driver’s license in good standing and an acceptable driving record

OR

• A minimum of an Associate Degree or 60 college credits in a human services field or,
• LADC or,
• CADC or,
• One year experience working with a homeless population and experience delivering community- based case management services to individuals with SUD, COD and SMI
• Valid MA driver’s license in good standing and an acceptable driving record

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

• Minimum of one year recovery counseling or case client services to a complex and vulnerable population
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse people and situations

PREFERRED:

• Experience with HMIS systems or customer databases
• 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
• 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
• Bilingual (English/Spanish, English/Haitian-Creole) strongly preferred