Homeless Outreach Team Human Services Coordinator

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Homeless Outreach Team is seeking a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC) to provide outreach and engagement to individuals that are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and other mental health challenges. The successful candidate for this position will visit individuals in the shelters, streets and drop in shelters to assist in engaging in services, treatment, coordinate with community mental health services.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the types, causes, and symptoms of mental illness
• Understanding of crisis intervention strategies and techniques
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff and community providers
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for individuals’ diverse backgrounds, including religion, disability, and gender identity
• Ability to maintain accurate and compliant documentation
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to supervise, support, and motivate team members
• Skilled at managing tasks in fast-paced environments
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing Homeless Outreach Team activities
• Strong information-gathering skills through observation, interviewing, and record review
• Ability to effectively engage individuals with untreated mental illness in unstructured settings
• Proficiency in computer applications and standard office equipment
• Knowledge of community resources and service systems
• At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work
• Current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment (if electing to use a motor vehicle for travel)

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelters, housing programs, and support services
• Familiarity with the Department of Mental Health system and available resources
• Understanding of Department of Mental Health eligibility criteria, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of Department of Mental Health requirements, including mandated incident reporting protocols
• Awareness of local crisis response teams and psychiatric hospital systems
• Ability to effectively engage and build rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness

Responsibilities

• Provides Outreach to individuals in the community that are in need of crisis intervention services and/or arranges for emergency crisis
• Provides outreach and identify community based services such as the shelters and streets to assist with engaging individuals who choose not to engage in services.
• Conducts intakes, assess for needed services and makes referrals to appropriate community services.
• Provide detailed and thorough documentation after each client interaction which covers visits/meetings and services that are being received.
• Assists and/or on behalf of clients with completing the Department of Mental Health application
• Consults regularly with community providers, including community shelter staff, to obtain information to support the Department of Mental Health application for needed services.
• Collaborate with clients and service providers to coordinate service delivery, assess treatment plans and identify areas of further need.
• Provides advocacy on behalf of clients for appropriate services.
• Participate as a member of the Homeless Outreach Team which includes attending and participating in case conferences and staff meetings.
• Completes referral for housing, including supported and independent housing
• Acts as a liaison between community shelters and the Department of Mental Health.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package
• work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees