Street Health Outreach Behavioral Health Case Manager I

The Street Health Outreach program is an innovative project which identifies and assists people in the Central Alameda County who are experiencing homelessness and have chronic health and mental health needs. The Street Health Outreach Team supports clients to attain housing stability and improve health and well-being.

Using a multi-disciplined team approach, the program provides street and venue-based outreach and engagement, assessment, health services and triage, case management, linkages to housing agencies and mental health services. The program will work with all participants to develop and carry out action plans that improve health and wellness.

Under the supervision of the Street Health Outreach Program Director, the Street Health Outreach Behavioral Health Case Manager I will work directly with participants in conducting evidence-based behavioral health assessments, health coaching, and supporting clients with navigating mental health and substance use treatment systems from a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach.

Schedule: This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday hours.

About TVHC: Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center is a nonprofit community health center dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our community by providing accessible, high-quality care through the integration of primary care, dental care, WIC support, mental health counseling, community health education, and more.

Benefits: We offer excellent benefits, including: medical (100% paid co-payments, premiums, etc.), dental, vision (including dependent and domestic partner coverage), generous paid leave benefits including holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement plans with an Employer match, tuition reimbursement, monthly treats, pet insurance, and more.

Compensation: $32.19 - $35.17 per hour, depending on experience.

This position is represented by SEIU, with compensation and benefits determined by the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Salary is based on the wage scales outlined in the agreement. Beyond base pay, TVHC provides a comprehensive compensation package that supports the health, wealth, and career development of our employees.

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct behavioral health assessments, provide health coaching, triage clients, triage and support clients with navigating mental health and substance use treatment systems.
• Maintain a caseload of clients who are identified to need more in-depth case management services.
• Provide outreach and engagement, health services and triage, and collaboration with Housing Resource Centers.
• Build relationships over time via consistent visits with patients and potential patients.
• Screen and identify individuals with medical and behavioral needs.
• Prioritize individuals with high medical and behavioral health needs and/or Substance Use Disorders for intensive visits to improve health and lift them out of homelessness.
• Participate in regular meetings with Alameda County Healthcare for the Homeless.
• Provide culturally competent, trauma informed, and harm reduction-based services.
• Conduct regular outreach and engagement, building trust with individuals encountered at encampments and other service locations according to the responsive schedule.
• Respond to immediate survival needs as prioritized by clients, e.g. basic needs, problem-solving, health education and information about health and community services.
• Provide assessments and administer appropriate screening tools (e.g. PHQ2 and PHQ9) and SBIRT services.
• Provide crisis assistance and brief behavioral health interventions (Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, psychological/emotional support around obtaining housing).
• Conduct brief, non-stigmatizing screenings to evaluate the needs of homeless individuals for mental health and support services.
• Document assessments and care provided in patient’s EPIC chart. 
• Provide linkage and referrals to community services as needed and work from an interdisciplinary approach.
• Participate with other staff in multidisciplinary staff meetings and other staff processes to achieve program development, staff development, program evaluation, program operations review, and other activities as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding privileged administrative and patient information and complete required documentation in a timely manner.
• Completes Coordinated Entry Assessments for individuals seeking housing.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and expectations required of the position.

• High school diploma (or G.E.D.) required. 
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification must be obtained prior to start date.
• Minimum of one (1) year of field experience working with people with serious mental illness, individuals with a dual diagnosis and/or the homeless population required.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with unhoused or housing unstable patients. 
• Have a working knowledge and ability to implement harm reduction and motivational interviewing.
• Must be able to identify potential escalating situations and safety risks. Must be knowledgeable and ability to deescalate.
• Have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of medicine and allied services commensurate with his/her training.
• Demonstrated ability to build the trust and respect of patients, staff, colleagues, external contacts, and other organizational      members.
• Good problem-solving skills required, including creativity, resourcefulness, timeliness, and technical knowledge related to analyzing and resolving medical problems.
• Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends, as needed, within the set time limits.