Outreach Specialist, Children & Youth (Nashville, TN)

Mental Health Cooperative•Nashville, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC) was formed in 1993 to serve individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Since then, MHC has expanded its services to children and adolescents with severe emotional disorders across Middle and East Tennessee. MHC's sole purpose is to support and treat those challenged with serious mental illness and poverty. MHC is looking for individuals interested in joining a team that is caring, collaborative, innovative and energizing. This role provides outreach services for children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The specialist will support, link, and refer homeless children and families to services and resources as appropriate in their community.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related social service field or two (2) years of related experience. Internships and volunteer work may be counted for experience.
Valid Tennessee Driver’s License
Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
Acceptable Criminal Background Investigation
Personal Automobile Insurance
"F" Endorsement
Cell Phone

Nice To Haves

Engagement Focused
Courteous, friendly, professional
Focused on consumer and family needs during meetings
Listens well
Knowledgeable of services offered by the agency
Communicates effectively with consumers, families, community partners, and staff
Ability to connect consumers and families to services based on individual’s needs
Recovery Focused
Documentation reflects quality service
Tolerance/patience to work through difficult situations
Side-by-side philosophy
Individualized care
Meets deadlines
Prepared for meetings
Rapid response in meeting with consumers upon intake completion
Documentation is entered in a timely manner
Plans for time off
Prioritizes well
Self-Disciplined
Flexible
Integrity and Trust
Honesty
Professionalism
Dependability
Strong follow-through
Approachability
Engagement skills
Crisis management skills
Ability to give and accept feedback
Ability to work with other departments
Understanding and empathetic

Responsibilities

Provide on-going outreach and in-reach to people experiencing homelessness, including in-reach hours at the local women’s shelter.
Link and refer children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness to appropriate services and community resources.
Advocate for consumer needs to be met.
Coordinate and follow up with consumers and other community providers to ensure needs have been addressed.
Transport consumers as needed.
Re-engage and re-establish contact with consumers who have not followed through on necessary services.
Develop rapport with children, youth, and families to assess and assist with housing needs, referrals, and resources.
Research and be familiar with community resources and share resources with staff.
Monitor transition of consumers into follow-up/referral services such as C&Y and Adult Care Management teams.
Work cohesively with Care Managers and treatment team in the development and implementation of treatment plans.
Develop and maintain relationships with other departments, teams, and community providers to facilitate collaboration among service providers.
Provide assistance to shelter staff and C&Y Care Managers to assist with any problems or day-to-day issues.
Ensure timely and appropriate documentation as required by organization; including notes, activity logs, HMIS data entry, etc.
Maintain consumer confidentiality at all times.
Participate in community coordinated events and meetings as appropriate and assigned.
Attend monthly supervision meeting with direct supervisor, team lead, or Program Manager.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, training opportunities, team meetings and community meetings as designate by Supervisor and Program Manager.