The Commission's Homeless Services Bureau, in existence since 1983, has extensive experience providing integrated primary health, substance abuse, and mental health services to homeless individuals. We offer transitional health and social assistance to homeless Bostonians, including emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing throughout the city and a broad range of rehabilitative services. Our programs are part of a continuum of care designed to help homeless individuals achieve independent living in permanent housing in the community. We are one of the largest providers of emergency shelter in New England, running two emergency shelters, which operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year, and providing more than 5,000 homeless individuals annually with food, beds, lockers, emergency clothing, health care, case management, and housing services. The Front Door Triage team works with individuals who have recently become homeless or are new to the shelter system. The team provides rapid engagement to prevent some individuals from entering the shelter system and to help other individuals quickly regain stability and move out of shelter into appropriate permanent placements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for assessment, referral, and placement services to NEW homeless guests entering emergency shelter as a staff of the Front Door Triage and Assessment Department.
• Completes triage assessment on new shelter guests to determine immediate level of need and assertively move guests on a quick path out of shelter by implementing a diversion plan or making a referral to housing department.
• Provides education and information on alternative options to emergency shelter.
• Refers individuals to detox, and substance abuse treatment programs as needed.
• Works closely with Social Work Department to ensure that clients presenting with acute mental health symptoms are assessed for the most appropriate services and/or referral.
• Facilitates referral to health services for medical care as appropriate.
• Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling to new shelter guests.
• Works closely with internal departments in order to coordinate and facilitate services.
• Develops and maintains referral sources for homeless guests by establishing contacts and working in collaboration with area social services agencies.
• Maintains case management records and files, including HMIS.
• Attends interdisciplinary case meetings and presents cases for review.
• Attends assigned meetings and trainings.
• Transports clients via program van.