Outreach Worker (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Haverhill, MA

About The Position

The ACCS Outreach Worker promotes the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) so they can live successfully in the community. The role provides non-clinical Treatment Plan interventions assigned by a Team LPHA Clinician and delivers evidence-based and best-practice services and supports in the community, a Group Living Environment (GLE), or a Supported Independent Environment (SIE) as part of an Intervention Team. The worker also oversees treatment interventions for PS in assigned GLEs/SIEs. The position uses trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches to help PS build skills, manage symptoms, access resources, and achieve greater independence and community tenure. It involves collaboration with PS, families and other supports, clinical team members, community providers, and service resources; crisis response when needed; and thorough documentation of needs and services. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, access to an operational insured vehicle and willingness to transport PS, and a valid driver's license meeting the stated screening requirements. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire, and MAP certification is required within 150 days. The work is physically active and includes assisting PS with daily-living tasks and lifting at least 25 pounds. The stated pay range is USD $23.91 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Access to an operational and insured vehicle and willingness to use it to transport PS.
Valid driver's license presented at employment; incumbents must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driver's screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
MAP certification within 150 days of hire.
Ability to form supportive, trusting relationships with PS and their families or other supports.
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions and work professionally and confidentially.
Ability to balance competing priorities and work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of PS engagement strategies; human, legal, and civil rights; functional assessment; recovery-oriented, person-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent practice; documentation standards; and personal computer applications and equipment.
Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues of PS; knowledge of prejudice, discrimination, oppression, and poverty and their effects on people with psychiatric disorders.
Ability to use different communication and learning styles and adhere to standards of Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, SBIRT, Housing First, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift, assist PS with daily-living tasks, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer; sit, reach, climb stairs, and remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives; required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a human service discipline preferred.
Two years of related experience working with people with psychiatric disabilities and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
Bilingual/bicultural applicants are preferred.
Applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate in the intervention team for assigned PS and, at the direction of the Team LPHA Clinician and based on the Treatment Plan, teach skills and help PS learn about and obtain community resources.
Provide PS with support and supervision as needed.
Deliver Treatment Plan interventions to build skills in areas such as activities of daily living, medication administration, symptom reduction, health and wellbeing, employment, school, socialization, and recreation, under the supervision and direction of clinically licensed team members.
Attend medical, psychiatric, and other appointments with PS as needed.
Develop and maintain service-oriented, professional relationships with community resources and service providers.
Follow Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures.
Provide crisis intervention to PS when needed.
Use trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches and skills-training techniques.
Help PS self-manage symptoms using Safety Plans and, as needed, medication administration program services and education.
Participate in the regional ACCS Outreach Worker Community of Practice Workgroup led by LPHA Clinicians for professional competency development, mentoring, and learning.
Support evidence-based and best-practice services, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Seeking Safety, WRAP, Cognitive Behavioral interventions, Safety Plans, Crisis Prevention and Response Plans, and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
Promote engagement, safe housing, community tenure, greater self-sufficiency, and successful completion of services for PS.
Document PS needs and services thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Promote PS access to healthcare, employment, and education services.
Help orient new staff and PS to the ACCS service.
Attend assigned trainings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Use a Vinfen van or personal vehicle to drive as required; if using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record.