Community Outreach/Education Specialist - MLK Behavioral Health

Job Overview

This is a union position.     

The Community Outreach & Education Specialist must have a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences field required; bachelor’s degree in social work preferred. Registration or Certification as Substance Abuse Counselor from an approved/accredited California agency.

As per contract, all staff hired MUST be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and when eligible, receive their booster shot.

Prototypes, a program of HealthRIGHT 360’s residential substance use disorder (SUD) program is a new program contracted with Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) program for residential drug Medi-Cal (DMC) services for up to 99 adult men and women: 33 that are for men who are judicially involved, 33 for men, and 33 for women. The BHC’s residential DMC program will employ 100 people and works closely with the other BHC programs to provide a continuum of services for low income/Medi-Cal population. The program is located on the campus of Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in the Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles and will serve all LA County residents.

The Community Outreach & Education Specialist conducts outreach directly to potential clients (street outreach, jail in-reach, shelter visits, community events) to increase awareness and understanding of SUD treatment generally, and of the services at MRT BHC specifically. Uses motivational interviewing and harm reduction skills, as well as trauma-informed approach, to encourage eligible clients to choose treatment. Also conducts outreach to other service providers and stakeholders to market the MRT BHC program, to increase awareness of its services and target population among providers who might refer eligible clients to the program. Educates community members, service providers, MRT BHC partners, and other County department personnel about SUD, treatment, and care coordination. Knowledgeable about all of the above and responsive to client, family, and stakeholder questions.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Service:

• Engage potential clients at various locations (e.g., streets, community services organizations, shelters, etc.), at frequent and regular intervals to educate and motivate them to engage in SUD treatment services.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative linkages with other providers (e.g., hospital emergency departments, law enforcement, public, private, and other social, economic, health, legal, vocational, and mental health partners) to make appropriate referrals that address unmet client needs.
• Conduct presentations for other County departments and partners in the MRT BHC and on the MLKCH campus, as well as potential referral partners on SUD treatment including, but not limited to: the SUD treatment system, the referral process, and how to improve care coordination.
• Promote culturally and linguistically relevant public awareness about SUDs and inform the community about available SUD treatment options.
• May need to also provide client care hours and submit progress notes within 72 hours of service delivery.
• Documentation must maintain in compliance with agency policy and procedures, HIPAA, 42-CFR, DMH, and SAPC standards.
• Assists the client with intake by completing case management assessment and entering financial and benefit information.
• Supports the client in apply for Medi-cal or transfer Medi-cal county when appropriate.
• Assess the client’s case management needs and completes all releases of information.
• Connects the client to benefits, mental health, physical health, employment, probation, DCFS, employment, housing, community resources, outpatient substance use disorder services, and aftercare.
• Coordinates communication and external service linkage including: assisting with scheduling appointments, communicating with probation, scheduling child visits, communicating with DCFS, obtaining all court minute orders, providing appointment reminders for therapy and psychiatrist.
• May completes the VI-SPDAT and connects the client to safe housing options.

Education and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education and Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences field required; bachelor’s degree in social work preferred.
• CPR certified preferred - Registration or Certification as Substance Abuse Counselor from an approved/accredited California agency.
• Possession of valid CA driver’s license and clean driving record

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working with individuals who are homeless, mentally ill, HIV positive, substance-using, and/or involved in the criminal justice system.
• Experience working with diverse populations regarding lifestyle, age, gender and sexual orientation/identity, cultural background, and economic status.

Background Clearance Required:

• Must be able to pass live scan fingerprint clearance and jail clearance.
• Must not be on parole or probation for a minimum of two years prior to employment.

Other Requirements:

• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster shots; there are no medical or religious exemptions available for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Fluent/certified bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to cultivate new professional contacts and encourage utilization of MRT BHC Residential SUD Treatment Services.
• Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to work alone as well as cooperatively with others and demonstrate good judgment in unusual or emergent situations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to provide a high degree of accuracy in projects and tasks assigned.
• Willing and able to work flexible hours, which may include some evening and/or weekend work.
• Comfortable working in an environment a client population struggling with issues of substance abuse, mental health, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self-sufficiency.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Outlook, and internet applications.

In compliance with the California Department of Public Health's mandate, all employees must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Medical and religious exemptions are available.

Tag: IND100.