Mental Health Outreach Specialist

Pacific Clinics•San Jose, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Outreach Specialist is responsible for outreach and engagement activities for people who are experiencing homlessness and have mental health disorders. Outreach Specialist will engage individuals living on the streets and will provide case management, housing navigation and benefit establishment services. Outreach Specialist will provide frequent follow-up with individuals served and provide regular communication on outcomes obtained.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Three years of applicable work experience providing case management or counseling service with individuals with mental health disorders and/or persons experiencing homelessness.
May be called upon to drive on agency business. Needs acceptable MVR and appropriate insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community resources and public assistance benefits for at-risk populations
Principles and techniques of interviewing and paraprofessional counseling.
Networking approaches to identify client relevant support services.
Principles and practices of effective communication and conflict resolution.
Basic techniques of record keeping.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Excellent computer skills and ability to work in Windows environment and with an Electronic Health Record.

Responsibilities

Provide strength-based outreach to encourage people who have mental health disorders and are experiencing homelessness to engage in available services including benefits, mental health, medical and substance use disorder services, and housing programs.
Develop rapport and maintain effective and positive working relationships with clients through frequent visits.
Assess client needs and characteristics; identify short-term and long-term needs, provide resources and referrals based on the client needs.
Drive agency-provided or personal vehicles and transport clients to facilitate linkages and placements as necessary.
Attend collaborative meetings with referring parties to discuss outcomes and address barriers encountered.
Document all services per funding and compliance requirements including maintaining log of daily activities.
Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with various public and private service agencies, community groups, and the faith-based community to obtain services for clients.
Research community resources that benefit clients and enhance services provided.
Process applications or registration forms for services.
Gather and document various types of data to better understand client needs and assess client eligibility for community resources; enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the Coordinated Entry System (CES).
Attend community meetings, project updates, and case management meetings as needed.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Model Pacific Clinics' approach, mission and core values in all communication and correspondence.