Mental Health Outreach Counselor
About The Position
The Mental Health Counselor serves on the front lines of Star Gospel Mission’s efforts to engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the Charleston community. This position focuses on building trust with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those facing mental health challenges, and connecting them with appropriate resources, including shelter, healthcare, mental health services, and recovery programs. The Mental Health Counselor will conduct street outreach, complete needs assessments, coordinate service referrals, and document interactions in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field preferred, or a minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience working in outreach, homelessness services, behavioral health, addiction recovery, or community-based social services.
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Mental Health Certification
- Valid Driver’s License
- Good decision-making and supervisory skills are needed to ensure tasks and responsibilities are carried out with minimal daily supervision.
- Knowledge of basic mathematics.
- Proficient in computer skills in Microsoft Office software.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate in the English language.
- Ability to meet attendance requirements.
- Ability to speak and read English; bilingual skills in Spanish are highly beneficial.
- Travel is usually between Star Gospel Mission, partnering agencies, and donation sites.
- Work requires the ability to lift, carry, and/or push/pull moderately heavy (50-100 lbs.) materials, supplies, and equipment frequently.
- Heavy mobility; duties are usually performed by combinations of standing, walking, climbing ladders or steps, bending, and reaching.
- Work is performed in various environments, including physical discomforts associated with changes in weather and with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.
Responsibilities
- Conduct outreach to individuals living unsheltered in Charleston, including encampments, public spaces, and known outreach areas.
- Provide information about available services, including housing, healthcare, and mental health resources.
- Build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness through consistent and respectful engagement.
- Identify individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges.
- Provide immediate support and de-escalation when appropriate.
- Coordinate referrals to mental health providers, crisis stabilization services, detox programs, and medical support.
- Record outreach contacts, assessments, referrals, and outcomes in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Complete client intake assessments and service tracking.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and case notes.
- Assist in generating program reports and outcome tracking.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
