Outreach Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:  Performs outreach, determines eligibility, coordinates, and provides screenings for participant admittance for Supportive Housing Division Programs. Provides referrals, case management, and services for potential program participants, as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts outreach to identity potential program participants and works to facilitate program enrollment. Conducts outreach with other agencies who serve the homeless such as Bean’s Care and Brother Francis. Occasional camp/street outreach with other staff in attendance is required.
• Provides referral information to potential participants about Supportive Housing Division housing resources and programs and other services in the community. Works with the coordinated entry system.
• Conducts eligibility screening and collects needed documentation to determine eligibility.
• Coordinates the participant’s referrals for detox, medical, mental health, and/or other services to meet the participant’s needs and eligibility criteria prior program enrollment and exchanges relevant information regarding the participants’ care with the agency or professional to whom the referral is being made. 
• Maintains accurate records and files. Completes daily case notes in a timely manner and enters participant information into databases. Conducts vulnerability and other screening assessments.
• Transports participants to and from detox services, medical or behavioral health appointments, other appointments, classes and/or other outings.
• Provides case management services to outreach participants, including assisting with enrollment and linking to other social services. 
• Participates and assists with the development of case plans/treatment plans.
• Identify and coordinate the needed interventions for persons experiencing homelessness who are identified as having emergency issues due to medical fragility, vulnerability, and other at-risk situations.
• Attends weekly staff meetings and regular meetings with supervisor to review the screening and eligibility status of program applicants and to review and update the waiting list status, if applicable. 
• Maintains detailed statistical data on all Outreach Program participants, activities, services and submits monthly reports to Supervisor.

• Provides back up support/coverage to case management positions, including providing case management services to enrolled participants, as needed. 
• Attends all relevant community meetings as approved by the immediate supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Works with individuals experiencing homelessness to assess their barriers to housing, service needs, and issues with addiction.
• Works to build professional relationships with other agencies where outreach is conducted and rapport with persons experiencing homelessness. 
• Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships with others; actively looks for ways to help people.
• Keeps up-to-date with changes in the field, seeks out and participates in continuing education and applies new knowledge to job.
• Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with current program standards, laws, or regulations. 
• Maintains participant files, information, and writes daily case notes.
• Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with current program standards, laws, or regulations.

• Ability to evaluate assessment information with a multi-disciplinary team to provide case management and program evaluation.
• Ability to deal appropriately with crisis response.
• Ability to embrace a harm reduction model for addiction treatment and have a basic understanding of addiction and mental health issues. 
• Ability to primarily work independently in a community based setting.
• Ability to deescalate aggressive or hostile participants.
• Communicates effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of a diverse audience.
• Ability to establish excellent rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems and display empathy and compassion for others.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise good judgement, courtesy and tact.
• Ability to establish a good rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, ethics, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must have the ability to operate the following equipment: desktop computer, telephone, copier, PC printer, and fax machine.

• Agency is a mandated tobacco, drug and alcohol free workplace.
• General office environment, possible shared office space.
• Ability to endure and balance work fluctuations, deadlines, and interruptions, and long and often erratic hours.
• Capable of maneuvering through the Supportive Housing Division facilities.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to grasp, type, see, talk, hear, and lift and carry 50 pounds of weight by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner. This position will also be performing physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, bending, and handling materials. 
• Occasionally performs sedentary activities that require sitting for long periods and repetitive use of hands, wrists and arms for handling, positioning, moving materials, and manipulating things. 
• Must be in good general health and free from serious physical, mental health and/or substance abuse problems.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• BA Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services or other related field, or four years comparable experience providing social services.
• Experience, course work, or training in substance abuse treatment, addictions, or behavioral health.
• Knowledge competency and knowledge of case management; i.e., intake, assessment, independent living plan development, implementation, referral, and follow-up.
• Must pass a State of Alaska background check for working with at risk or vulnerable populations.
• Must provide TB screening clearance within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter at employee’s expense.
• Successfully complete, and maintain, CPR and First Aid training within sixty (60) days of hire at employee’s expense.
• Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
• Must keep all matters concerning participants in strictest confidence as required by HIPAA privacy and the 42 CFR, Part II confidentiality regulations. 
• Must be able to provide own transportation to meet work schedule requirements.
• Must have an insured vehicle, present proof of insurance, and maintain proof of insurance throughout the course of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout the course of employment. Must provide a copy of current driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles annually.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, and ethics as well as maintain confidentiality in working with clients, partner agencies, other service providers, and diverse staff.
• Proven ability and willingness to be self-directed in problem-solving and decision-making and perform basic assignment with little or no direct supervision while also working effectively as a team member.
• Demonstrated intermediate level of computer skills necessary in order to use and create documents and reports, spreadsheets, workshop materials and slide presentations, and to enter data into intricate database programs and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Capable of reading, understanding, and following written procedures and policies related to job responsibilities.
• Personal wellness plan that encourages perseverance, compassion, and optimism toward life.
• Agency recommends Hepatitis A & B vaccination and physical as part of employee’s personal wellness plan. (Recommendation – Not a requirement of this position).

• BA Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services or other related field and Certification as a Chemical Dependency Technician, Chemical Dependency Counselor I, Behavioral Health Technician, Behavioral Health Counselor I, or Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner.
• Certification as a Chemical Dependency Technician, Chemical Dependency Counselor I, Behavioral Health Technician, Behavioral Health Counselor I, or Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner.
• Experience in working with homeless people, and working with diverse rural/urban Alaska Native populations.
• Experience with ServicePoint, Adsystech, Medicaid Electronic Health Record and YARDI.