Service Linkage Worker

The Montrose Center • Houston, TX

22h

About The Position

The Service Linkage Worker supports clients through the Integrated Client Journey (ICJ), helping them work toward self-sufficiency and well-being through client-driven, accessible services. The role uses an assessment approved by the United Way’s Second Century Vision to evaluate client readiness and emphasize strengths. The worker coaches clients as they select and navigate services, define goals, and progress along individualized journeys.

The position provides direct client service in person, by phone, text, or email; connects clients with relevant community resources and service providers; and collaborates with clients to create and update individualized service plans. The worker maintains regular contact, follows up as needs and goals change, addresses barriers to engagement, and documents service encounters, referrals, and follow-ups in electronic records within 72 hours. Client confidentiality and dignity must be maintained at all times.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in social or behavioral sciences, or documented paid social-services experience substituted on a 1:1 basis for college education.
• Empathic, compassionate, non-judgmental, motivating, and encouraging approach.
• Use of a strengths-based, relational approach and cultural humility; ability to meet clients where they are and encourage client leadership.
• Strong listening ability and ability to build supportive relationships with clients throughout their journey.
• Working knowledge of community resources for financial stability, basic needs, mainstream benefits, LGBTQ+ programs, and community support programs.
• Ability to respond compassionately to people living with HIV and their partners or family members.
• Ability to cope mentally and physically with stress from regular exposure to clients’ behavioral health issues, respond appropriately to crises, and seek support through supervision, case consultation, or counseling when needed.
• Ability to respond compassionately to people and their partners or family members.
• Ability to develop creative responses to complicated roadblocks involving ALICE clients.
• Acceptance of a wide variety of people’s problems, attitudes, and lifestyles; good interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team.
• If in recovery, at least two years in recovery.
• Reliable transportation, a current Texas Driver’s License, and auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Assess prospective clients’ readiness for the Integrated Client Journey using an approved strengths-based assessment.
• Assist clients through the Integrated Client Journey in a client-driven, accessible manner that supports self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Coach clients as they navigate selected services, define goals, and progress along individualized journeys.
• Provide direct client services through in-person contact, phone calls, text messages, and emails, including meetings at locations convenient to clients.
• Consult with other service agencies and the Program Director about services and individual cases.
• Stay current on regional and external resources and provide referrals and support relevant to client goals.
• Facilitate referrals within a network of service providers.
• Document service encounters, referrals, and follow-ups in electronic records systems within 72 hours.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized service plans, follow up, reassess changing needs or goals, and revise plans as needed.
• Identify risks and barriers that may lead clients to disengage, work to reduce them, and attempt to reconnect with clients who leave before achieving their goals.
• Maintain regular contact with clients to provide coaching and identify emerging needs.
• Ensure client confidentiality and dignity at all times.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time