Outreach Counselor

Successful Living Supportive Housing Program • Iowa City, IA

9d

About The Position

The Mental Health Support Specialist (MHSS) supports adults 18 years and older living with chronic mental illness and helps them develop the skills and support needed to live more independently. This full-time opening is in the Outreach Department, where staff work one-on-one with clients in their homes or communities to help them build independent living skills and maintain their housing. Outreach staff work Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The MHSS facilitates client progress toward goals through coaching, counseling, symptom-management and coping strategies, community integration, and assistance accessing community resources. The role also involves supporting daily living activities and routines, monitoring physical health, transporting clients as required, and administering medications in accordance with the Medication Management Program.

The MHSS completes required service documentation, participates in meetings and training, collaborates with colleagues and care providers, and maintains professional communication, scheduling, confidentiality, and agency-policy standards. The direct supervisor is assigned by the department’s Program Manager; the reporting role may be a Senior Mental Health Support Specialist, Program Assistant Manager, or Program Manager.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of human service experience.
• Pass required background checks, including dependent adult/child abuse, criminal background, and driving records checks.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and a reliable, privately insured car, and meet agency insurance requirements for insurability.
• Be available to work a minimum of 4 hours at a time and 12 hours a week.
• Ability to engage with a wide variety of people.
• Problem-solving and active-listening skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapt, and meet deadlines.
• Writing skills and basic Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and OneDrive competencies.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a human service field such as Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Sociology.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with adult clients in their homes or communities to support independent living skills and housing stability.
• Facilitate progress toward client goals through coaching and counseling.
• Identify client triggers and develop symptom-management strategies and coping skills.
• Develop natural supports, encourage community integration, mitigate barriers, and support client independence.
• Encourage activities of daily living and support clients in organizing and adhering to schedules and routines.
• Monitor physical health and encourage healthy practices.
• Advocate for and assist clients in accessing community resources.
• Transport clients according to program expectations or their service plans.
• Administer medications in compliance with the Medication Management Program.
• Contact clients as needed during agency closures, unexpected absences, or as assigned.
• Complete case notes, assessments, social histories, collateral notes, quarterly updates, and Incident Reports in a timely manner and in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Participate in ISP and Addendum meetings as needed.
• Attend required staff meetings, participate in assigned training, and collaborate with staff and programs.
• Communicate promptly with care providers, clients, colleagues, supervisors, and collateral agencies.
• Maintain a consistent client schedule, negotiate needed adjustments, meet deadlines, achieve expected billable weekly client contact hours, and complete assigned paperwork.
• Meet weekly with the supervisor and maintain an Outlook calendar reflecting appointments and availability.
• Follow agency policies and procedures, maintain confidentiality and HIPAA standards, and present a professional image.

Benefits

• $200 sign-on bonus after successful completion of the probationary period.
• $500–$750 referral bonus after the referred staff member successfully completes their probationary period.
• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and a personal day.
• Holiday pay.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• IRA.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Staff development and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED