Outreach Specialist

Pathways Vermont • Burlington, VT

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

Pathways Vermont provides community-based mental health services and collaborative learning that centers people as the experts of their own lives. We strengthen our communities and the system of care by elevating the voices of lived experience. Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people interested in providing supportive social services to Vermonters including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color. This role is an opportunity to join a brand new team supporting Vermonters experiencing homelessness to find permanent housing and access community resources. Vermont has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of people who are unhoused throughout the state. Pathways’ Outreach team will assist individuals and households who struggle with mental health challenges and/or mental health and substance use challenges to access housing as quickly as possible. Pathways is especially interested in hiring someone who has their own experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, incarceration, poverty or other serious challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or comparable work experience (preferably with persons who have experienced homelessness or have a psychiatric disability) and at least 3-5 years relevant experience
• Strong skills in database entry and computer programs (including Google Apps, Internet browsers, electronic medical records, etc.)
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment as well as possess strong problem- solving skills, work ethic, and computer proficiency
• Must be able to work flexible hours, occasional long days
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle required
• Ability to travel statewide
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Commitment to Pathways mission

Nice To Haves

• Experience with persons who have experienced homelessness or have a psychiatric disability

Responsibilities

• Engage in assertive outreach, service coordination, advocacy, and other supports for program participants
• Building rapport and relationships with individuals, meeting people where they are including motels, shelters, and camping areas
• Participate in outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness who have serious mental health
• Facilitate telehealth or in-person meetings between team mental health counselor and potential program participants to complete mental health and substance use screening
• Ensure all households are captured in the Coordinated Entry system and data is accurate in the local Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS)
• Make referrals to appropriate community resources and support enrollment
• Collect information about service recipients’ housing needs and preferences and assist in completion of applications for housing subsidies and rental units
• Document service provision in electronic health record including screening data, progress notes, incident reports, document collection, institutionalization record, etc.
• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other documentation requirements
• Practice Intentional Peer Support, and other best practices for supporting persons experiencing homelessness
• Facilitate client driven referrals and participation in other peer services, wellness activities, community events, programs, etc.
• Communicate with potential program participants especially to persons who are literally homeless or experiencing a mental health crisis
• Facilitate additional eligibility assessments and meetings as needed for referred service recipients
• Collect information about service recipients’ housing needs and preferences
• Ensure that the service recipient is connected with team members after intake is completed
• Accurately and timely record service recipient, intake, and outreach data in appropriate database
• Monitor statewide subsidy programs and manage program participant list
• Other duties as assigned
• Attendance at the annual All Staff and Programmatic Retreats is an expectation of employment with Pathways Vermont, unless excused by the employee’s manager/HR. Retreats are held on workdays, during normal working hours, and are fully paid.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Long Term Disability/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)
• 9 Paid Holidays Annually
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Recognition Rewards
• Access to a wide variety of Pathways facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level