What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach Worker position at Mental Health Association - Western MA?
The Mental Health Association (MHA) is hiring Outreach Workers to assist individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, mental health challenges, and/or substance use disorders. As an Outreach Worker, you will support participants in finding and maintaining quality housing, developing independent living skills, and accessing essential resources to live independently in the community. This role requires professionalism, collaboration, and adherence to MHA’s Core Values of Respect, Integrity, and Compassion, along with compliance with agency policies, funding guidelines, and regulatory standards.
Essential Functions
1. Participant Support and Advocacy
- Assist participants in locating safe, affordable housing and maintaining positive relationships with landlords.
- Provide tenancy support, including negotiating repairs, promoting clean living conditions, and assisting with financial arrangements like security deposits.
- Aid participants in organizing and executing home moves, including utilities setup and address changes.
- Teach and model independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and social interaction.
- Act as a liaison for participants with various entities, including landlords, healthcare providers, Social Security, and other community resources.
- Provide reliable transportation to participants for appointments, social engagements, or errands using a safe and insured vehicle.
2. Participant Health and Wellbeing
- Develop, monitor, and implement individualized support strategies (ISPs) in collaboration with the treatment team.
- Respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies, providing support when necessary.
- Report any incidents of participant abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities as mandated by agency policy.
3. Documentation
- Maintain accurate records, including daily notes, progress reports, incident reports, and health-related documentation.
- Coordinate and document participants’ healthcare appointments, medication regimens, and health-related concerns in compliance with MAP (Medication Administration Program) standards.
4. Safety
- Promote a safe environment by addressing safety hazards, reporting accidents, and adhering to agency safety policies.
5. Teamwork, Communication, and Continuous Learning
- Participate in required training, team meetings, and individual service plan (ISP) reviews.
- Foster a positive team environment by supporting team goals and agency mission and communicating effectively with coworkers, participants, families, and external providers.
Schedule
- 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Fri/Sat or Sun/Mon off (pending on caseload assigned)
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license, sufficient automobile insurance, and a safe, reliable vehicle during working hours.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks.
- Strong oral, written, computer, and organizational skills.
- Adaptability, patience, and compassion in supporting participants’ diverse needs.
- Ability to pass and maintain certifications in CPR and first aid.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
Required Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Six months of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements
While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee is required to speak, smell, and hear. They are occasionally required to kneel, sit, push, pull, reach, and climb. They are also required to use their hands and fingers to grasp, hold, type, and write. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs and lift up to forty pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include color distinction, visual inspection, visual perception, and eye/hand coordination.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to inclement weather, vehicles, blood-borne pathogens, and computers/monitors. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The majority of time for this job is spent indoors.
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Long Term Disability
