Outreach Support Specialist

PURPOSE DIGNITY ACTION • Seattle, WA

4h

About The Position

The Outreach position entails going out into the community to contact, develop rapport, and engage with  individuals who are living outside. The position will provide services from a client centered, harm  reduction approach, utilizing motivational interviewing skills. Outreach may also connect with community  members and business owners to help inform them about current conditions for homeless individuals in  the community and help strategize positive solutions to public safety and public health community  concerns. The nature of this position is extremely independent, requiring excellent interpersonal  relationship and communication skills, common sense regarding personal safety, creative thinking, multi tasking and conflict resolution skills.

Requirements

• Ability to implement harm reduction techniques within a participant-centered framework, e.g.  motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and low-barrier assistance
• Demonstrated ability to respectfully engage with individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health conditions essential.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Work cooperatively, harmoniously and respectfully with co-workers, supervisors, participants,  public, and customers
• Deal with a variety of people with diverse backgrounds
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities with interruptions
• Maintain case files and maintain file information in PDA’s case management/data management  systems
• Experience working in programs that serve individuals with mental health disabilities and  substance use disorder
• Clinical training or expertise in behavioral health
• Interest or experience in working with program participants who have difficulty engaging with  traditional programs and have exposure/involvement with the criminal legal system
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively with participants displaying a wide range of behaviors
• Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration  and respect for participants
• Ability to oversee and train staff to utilize and track participant progress and information in an  electronic case management system, including chart audits for continuous quality improvement  efforts
• Current Washington State Driver’s License, current auto insurance, and access to a reliable  vehicle

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with criminal legal systems, including jails, law enforcement and courts
• Mental Health Professional (LICSW, LMHC, etc.) Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) or  related work/experience
• Three years of experience in work related to residential programs, outreach programs or in an  institutional setting
• Academic training in the social service field and in the area of substance use disorder and mental  health treatment
• Experience providing services from a harm reduction perspective to individuals with unsupported  mental health disabilities who also have problematic drug use

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed outreach, assessment and linkage to appropriate care for  unsheltered individuals
• Coordinate individual referrals from outreach to shelter, temporary lodging, or other  service resources when necessary
• Participate in case conferencing meetings for outreach and other homeless service  providers to discuss clients with high barriers
• Work with Housing Case Manager as needed for CE and other assessments needed for  direct housing placement
• Outreach and engage community partners, businesses, organizations to foster connection  and collaboration to advocate for client needs
• Serve as a liaison to business interests when necessary to communicate model and  problem solve around the needs of unsheltered community
• Connect with government and community entities to bring a coordinated system  response, which may include: • Public health assessments and care • Hygiene and sanitation services • Waste removal • Law enforcement coordination • Benefits Assistance • Other systemic services
• Provide data and reports per contract requirements
• Participate in all outreach and other staff activities as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 401k match of up to 4% of salary, beginning after six months of employment
• Annual, 2% of salary, profit sharing contribution to 401k, provided in most years
• Generous medical and dental benefits for employees and family members
• Flexible Spending Agreement for both medical and dependent care needs
• 15 days vacation per year, increasing annually up to 20 days vacation per year, after 5 years
• 12 personal/sick days annually
• Monthly $50 employer cell phone contribution if required by position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed