Outreach & Engagement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Friend Health is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Outreach & Engagement Specialist (ES) to support the Mobile Crisis Care System. This role is responsible for engaging with individuals experiencing crises, providing community outreach, and ensuring timely connection to appropriate resources. The ES will play a critical role in crisis response, linking individuals to services that support their stabilization and overall well-being.

JOB DUTIES

• Provide on-the-ground outreach and engagement services for individuals experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis.
• Work as part of the Mobile Crisis Response Team, responding to calls and assisting with crisis stabilization and de-escalation.
• Conduct initial assessments to determine service needs and refer individuals to appropriate programs.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, hospitals, shelters, and social service organizations to coordinate care and referrals.
• Assist clients in navigating healthcare, housing, and other essential services.
• Participate in community events, outreach programs, and awareness campaigns to promote services.
• Collect and maintain accurate documentation of services provided, interactions, and referrals.
• Provide peer support and advocacy, ensuring individuals feel supported throughout the crisis response process.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• 1 years of experience in outreach, crisis intervention, case management, or social services.
• Experience working with mental health, substance use, or homeless populations is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and crisis intervention strategies.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work in high-stress environments and make decisions quickly.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

SMART GOALS (OUTCOMES)

• Certification Requirement: Successfully complete, pass, and become certified as a CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) or CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) within one year of obtaining this position.
• Effective Communication Training: Complete a quarterly training on Effective Listening techniques to enhance rapport and understanding in crisis situations.
• Professional Development: Complete three recommended DHS trainings weekly and share key takeaways during monthly supervisions to improve service delivery.
• Community Collaboration: Establish collaboration with three local organizations providing support services to crisis clients within the next six months to enhance referral and resource accessibility.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in community settings, requiring travel between locations.
• Moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 10-15 lbs and extended periods of standing or walking.
• Valid Driver’s License & Vehicle Required for travel.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed as needed.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Hourly Rate: $17.00 per hour

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
Professional Development Opportunities
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

If you are passionate about community outreach, crisis intervention, and connecting individuals to vital resources, we encourage you to apply. Join Friend Health’s Mobile Crisis Response Team and help make a difference in your community.