What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach Peer Specialist position at Hope The Mission?
Summary of Responsibilities
Operating throughout SPA 2 area, the E6 MDT Outreach Program provides immediate case management support and intervention services to our community members experiencing homelessness in SPA 2. The program is facilitated by a 100% field-based, multidisciplinary team who implement a "whatever it takes" approach to ensure the individuals served gain immediate access to needed services and supports and are connected to long-term services.
As part of the Multidisciplinary Team, the Outreach Substance Abuse Counselor Case Manager plays a key role in our work as one of the first points of contact for people experiencing homelessness. Utilizing Street outreach integrated approach, they provide both outreach and engagement and case management services to quickly assess client needs, provide immediate interventions, and connect clients to appropriate services. Responsibilities of the Outreach Case Manager include:
Specific Duties
● Responding to requests to outreach services
● Conducting assessments for clients in the field to identify and connect them to proper interventions and services
● Providing street-based case management services to clients in the community with the goal of linking them to long-term supportive services. This includes:
● Assistance with benefits establishment
● Assistance with obtaining personal identification documents
● Providing employment linkages and assistance
● Housing referrals, Linkages to Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Healthcare related services
● Other referrals as necessary such as Interim Housing to ensure all client needs are met
● Providing transportation and accompanying clients when necessary to access, medical care, obtain shelter and attend appointments to provide support, advocacy, and assistance
● Collaborating with law enforcement, Interim Housing service providers, and other community providers to ensure a smooth transition from street living to housing and access to all necessary services
● Complete initial intake/screening and the CES appropriate triage tool when necessary.
● Actively listens to participants and engages in appropriate problem-solving strategies through trauma-informed conversations.
-Offers services that are aimed at removing barriers to quickly access alternative housing interventions (crisis, bridge, shared, sober livings, residential programs etc.) or other creative interventions as appropriate through Problem-Solving assistance (PSAF) ,
● Ensure all documentation is placed inside participants' master file and/or uploaded in HMIS.
● Ensure all participant files are kept in a secure, locked area in a locked filing cabinet (double lock).
● Provide emergency service referrals (crisis housing, drop-in centers, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, mental health) and warm handoff referrals when appropriate.
● Ensure compliance with all documentation as detailed in the Scope of Work
● Maintain client confidentiality at all times discussing participant information only when appropriate and related to services provided.
● Attend staff meetings, case conferences, training workshops. and community meetings as needed.
● Participates in audit preparations assisting with data retrieval.
● Completes any assignments or evaluations in a timely and factual manner.
● Other Duties
● Perform any other duties, projects and responsibilities as assigned by the manager.
● Maintain safety of participants, staff, volunteers, and visitors always diffusing potential disputes/confrontations.
● Night deployments as requested by SPA 2 and weekend deployments may occur
● Observe department guidelines to conduct personal business during breaks and lunch hours.
● Project a positive professional image and adhere to organizational dress code.
● Self identifies potentially unsafe systems/processes/situations and takes initiative to report to manager/supervisor.
● Observe department guidelines concerning absences and reports such absences in accordance with departmental procedures.
Accountability and Review
Position reports to: MDT Outreach Program Manager
Performance Review: 90 days & Annually
Minimum Qualifications
AA in Social Work or equivalent preferred
Excellent written and verbal skills
Ability to speak sufficient Spanish to communicate with homeless clients
Proven experience teaching Life Skills
Three-year’s experience in a homeless healthcare and/or supportive housing setting
● Employment eligibility verification
● Reliable transportation
● Tuberculosis and drug test
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
● Willing and able to work well with no- or low-income homeless individuals
● Have a high sense of morals and compassion for the homeless and their needs
● Demonstrates courtesy, mutual respect and compassion in dealing with others
● Initiates and presents positive solutions to problems
● Demonstrates effective working relations and works effectively as part of the team to facilitate the organization’s ability to meet goals and objectives
● Demonstrates a willingness to accommodate requirements or changing priorities in the workplace
Employment Classification
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Full Time
