Outreach Worker

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES INC•Akron, OH

7d•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Community Support Services is seeking an Outreach Worker for its Homeless Outreach Team in Akron, Ohio. The role conducts case-finding among people who are homeless and have mental illness but are not currently connected to a mental health system. The Outreach Worker makes initial contact in non-traditional settings, engages people in appropriate services, and helps them access housing and entitlements. The position assesses service needs, builds rapport, coordinates referrals and community-based care, and supports people in achieving treatment-plan objectives and greater independence. It uses the Critical Time Intervention modality, coordinates evaluations and services, provides or assists with crisis intervention, and supports development of social networks and daily living skills. The worker maintains required documentation, protects confidential information, and coordinates transitions to regular Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment when appropriate. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, and requires schedule flexibility and availability for after-hours emergencies in accordance with agency procedures and grant requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
A car, a valid Ohio driver’s license, and eligibility for coverage by the agency’s insurance carrier are required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule.
Ability to develop positive relationships with individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance-use challenges.
Ability to use non-conventional resources and methods to deliver services.
Excellent organizational, attention-to-detail, and communication skills.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Commitment to confidentiality and following HIPAA rules.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.
Skill in managing time and meeting deadlines.
Ability to work non-judgmentally with people whose behavior or beliefs may differ from societal norms or the employee’s personal beliefs.
Perseverance in pursuing goals with individuals who may improve slowly or not improve.
Belief in Community Support Services’ recovery-centered mission.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred.
Prior experience working with people with severe mental illness preferred.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct ongoing case-finding through networking with street dwellers, shelters, meal sites, and other locations where people experiencing homelessness gather.
Assess people experiencing homelessness for service appropriateness, develop rapport in their environments, or connect them with resources through referrals.
Coordinate with social service agencies by accepting and making referrals.
Provide consultation and education regarding behavior management and issues related to long-term homelessness.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and regularly scheduled staff and supervisory meetings.
Request or schedule evaluations and assessments to identify individuals’ strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
Monitor and coordinate treatment-plan services using the Critical Time Intervention modality, with visit frequency based on the client’s program phase.
Provide, coordinate, or assist with crisis intervention and stabilization during scheduled work hours and be available for after-hours emergencies under agency procedures and grant requirements.
Support individuals in achieving service-plan objectives and maximizing independence and productivity through training and support in using personal and community resources.
Help develop or strengthen social support networks involving relatives, friends, and volunteer organizations.
Accompany individuals to activity sites and provide daily living skills training as needed.
Provide service linkage and advocacy in community settings as appropriate.
Maintain documentation and provide statistical reports according to agency standards and grant requirements.
Transition individuals to regular Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment when they are housed, have appropriate entitlements, and receive appropriate mental health services, following grant guidelines and clinical consultation.
Know and uphold the rights of persons served and maintain confidentiality of clinical information in accordance with agency rules and HIPAA.
Participate in ongoing agency staff training and development programs.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.