Outreach Specialist, Homeless Services (Nashville, TN)

Mental Health Cooperative•Nashville, TN

32d

About The Position

Ranked one of Tennessee’s top places to work, MHC is a rare and special place where outstanding company culture is intentional. Where clients and associates are treated the same, as equals. Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC) was formed in 1993 to serve individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Since then, we have expanded our services to children and adolescents with severe emotional disorders across Middle and East Tennessee. Our sole purpose is to support and treat those challenged with serious mental illness and poverty. Although based out of Nashville, we serve several communities across middle and East Tennessee with satellite offices in Antioch, Gallatin, Dickson, Columbia, Cleveland, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. If you are interested in joining a team that is caring, collaborative, innovative and energizing this might be a great place for you! Provide outreach in the community to individuals experiencing homelessness. Support, link, and refer homeless individuals 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. Proof of all required credentials shall be submitted upon request of the State.
Valid Tennessee Driver’s License
Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
Acceptable Criminal Background Investigation
Personal Automobile Insurance
“F” Endorsement
Cell Phone
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
Time Management/Organization
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

Able to reliably work independently with minimum structure and supervision.
Able to approach and effectively work with homeless individuals in all types of settings.
Provide on-going outreach and in-reach to homeless individuals on the streets, in encampments, shelters, and other living situations.
Advocate for homeless consumer’s needs to be met.
Refer consumers to appropriate services.
Follow-up with consumers and other agencies to ensure consumer needs have been addressed.
Re-engage or re-establish contact with consumers who have not followed-through on necessary services.
Develop rapport with homeless individuals in order to assess and assist with their needs.
Research and be familiar with available resources and share resources with appropriate staff.
Monitor transition of consumers into follow-up/referral services such as case management, housing, financial, medical, etc.
Respond to consumer’s crisis situations as needed by developing plans and interventions through collaboration with case management and Emergency Psychiatric Services.
Develop and maintain relationships with other homeless agency staff to facilitate teamwork among the homeless service community.
Provide assistance to shelter staff and homeless case managers to assist with any problems or day-to-day issues.
Consistently treat consumers and co-workers with respect.
Work within team environment within the organization.
Ensure timely and appropriate documentation as required by organization including: notes, activity logs, HMIS, discharge forms, etc.
Maintain professional and ethical behavior at all times.
Develop and maintain community and MHC inter-departmental relations including prompt follow-up with all contacts.
Maintain consumer’s confidentiality at all times.
Coordinate & assist with scheduling and implementation of mobile clinic as needed; including prompt documentation & follow up with CM’s, nurses, and providers.
Transport consumers as needed to assist in linking to resources.
Participate in community coordinated events, campaigns, and initiatives as deemed appropriate by Program Manager.
Collaborate with other agencies.
Attend annual PATH network meeting.
Attend and participate in community outreach meetings as deemed necessary by Program Manager and/or Supervisor/Team Leader.