Outreach Worker

Transitions Mental Health Asso•San Luis Obispo, CA

4d•$26 - $27

About The Position

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) is a U.S. federal grant program providing outreach and services for individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The PATH/HDAP Outreach Worker is responsible for providing assistance, trauma informed support to homeless, and formerly homeless residential clients with serious mental, substance use disorder and/or physical disabilities. The PATH/HDAP Outreach Worker is expected to identify homeless mentally ill adults in the community, assess their medical and psychiatric needs, and assist them in obtaining appropriate services, including but not limited to referrals to Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol, and the Department of Social Services (for Cash Aid/Food Stamps/MediCal and Social Security Disability application support). In addition to serving as the PATH Outreach Worker, this position also provides general support to all other HDAP programs (Housing & Disability Advocacy Program and to the Homeless Encampment Case Manager Program). The PATH/HDAP Outreach Worker will uphold and promote the program philosophy in all duties performed.

Requirements

BA/BS AND 6 months of full-time equivalent experience with target population, OR AA/AS or CADAC/CPRP certification AND 2 years of full-time equivalent experience with target population, OR 4 years of full-time equivalent experience with target population.
Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills.
Well defined organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and flexibly.
Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level.
Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.
Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace.
Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction.
Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.
Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.
Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity.
Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business.
Conditions of employment include:
Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, at least 2 years driving experience, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize personal vehicle and auto insurance.
Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.
Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Responsibilities

Identify and engage with homeless community members to assess needs and make appropriate referrals to supportive services.
Receive referrals from a variety of sources and meet with clients in a timely manner to assess their needs and appropriateness for services (includes completing intake paperwork with potential clients and following their progress until outreach services are no longer needed or desired).
Conduct VI-SPDAT surveys for determination of severity of needs and placement onto the Coordinated Entry Program for housing and support services.
Recognize and be available to clients in psychiatric crisis or emotional distress, linking them to appropriate support systems, including outpatient and crisis/inpatient treatment.
Function as a role model to clients with regard to rehabilitation and recovery, communication skills and work behavior.
Transport clients to and from appointments.
PATH: work with 25 unhoused, dual-diagnosis clients at a time for the PATH program, providing services and support as listed above.
HDAP: assist the HDAP Program Manager with 3-5 clients at a time who are actively pursuing Social Security Disability benefits (SSI, SSDI or a combination of both).
BHBH: assist the BHBH Housing Navigator with moving clients in and out of housing, which may also include furniture pick up, delivery and assembly, and provide general support to HHAP clients as needed.
HECM: work in partnership with the HECM case manager to ensure all PATH and HECM outreach clients are provided with a full range of services, which may include assisting HECM clients with independent living skills training, transportation, assistance with vocational/educational activities and housing stability, upon request.
Site management: Includes inspecting sites and assisting with cleaning and/or repairs.
Administrative Duties: Complete program paperwork in a timely fashion, including time sheets and financial receipts. Administrative duties may also include: maintaining individual paper and/or electronic client files; evaluating and charting client progress; developing service plans, admission and/or discharge paperwork; HMIS data entry, which includes entering and exiting all PATH clients; entering client notes within three business days of the client contact, adding entry/exit dates in HMIS as well as Excel and Word; meet or exceed State required contract outcomes.
Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication.
Complete all assigned trainings.
Attend all HDAP, agency and other required staff meetings to coordinate case management activities with supervisors and program staff.
Must be comfortable working in a diverse and unpredictable environment and meeting clients “where they are at” with a “whatever it takes” non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach.
Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the HDAP Program Manager and Program Director.