CSO is looking for an Outreach Worker for our Low Threshold Housing and Services program. 

The Low Threshold Housingand Services (LTHS) Outreach Worker will conduct outreach on the street, offerinformation and education, help clients to manage the logistics of theirsubstance use disorder treatment, provide referrals for housing supports, andassist in linking clients to the LTHS Housing Support Case Workers and the LTHSpermanent supportive housing. The Outreach worker will focus on outreach specificallyfor individuals experiencing homelessness who are at risk of sexualexploitation as well individuals who are living with or who are at risk ofacquiring HIV. This position is embedded in CSO programs serving this high-riskpopulation, and operates in tandem with Housing Support Case Workers. 

Responsibilities

• Takethe primary lead in conducting outreach activities and connecting withidentified individuals, ensuring referral for housing supports and access.
• Focuson identifying and engaging with individuals who are homeless and at risk ofsexual exploitation
• Focuson identifying and engaging with individuals who are homeless and who are atrisk of acquiring HIV or who are living with HIV.
• Conductoutreach activities and connect with identified individuals to submit referralfor housing supports and access.
• Coordinatewith collateral providers with longstanding relationships with CSO.
• Providetransportation for consumers as appropriate, following program guidelines.
• Maintainappropriate contacts with clients, others in the "natural helping network,"outpatient therapists, PCPs and others necessary to support consumers.
• Assistwith advocacy needs; facilitate "mediation" as appropriate.
• Provideassistance in identifying and obtaining entitlements, which meet consumer'sneeds.
• Assist consumer with identifyingappropriate mental health and medical services and assessing services ofchoice.
• Provide assistance with developing andmaintaining a "natural support network" of family and friends.
• Participate in team discussionsregarding program consumers in order to provide backup for other team membersas needed. 

Bachelor'sdegree in behavioral health discipline or related field, or equivalentcombination of high school diploma or Associate's degree and applicableexperience. Minimum one year demonstrated experience working with theidentified population. Knowledge of and training in identified EBPs. Goodlistening skills; ability to establish trusting relationships throughcompassion, empathy and insight, and ability to foster self-sufficiency infamilies using problem-solving and practical skills; familiarity with supportgroups and parent education groups. Excellent oral and written communicationskills and computer proficiency required including ability to work with email,electronic health record and word processing software. Must be able to workindependently and follow through with projects as well as be an effectivemember of a team. Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may includeweekend and evening work, as required by client needs. Valid driver's licenseand reliable transportation required. 

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, (English/Spanish speaking.)

Benefits

We provide our employees with competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including full coverage health and dental insurance and ample paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays). Additionally, we offer a 403B retirement savings plan, an employee referral bonus program, regular in-house training and professional development opportunities with free CEUs, and voluntary supplemental insurances at group rates, including short and long-term disability, cancer, accident and life. We also offer a premier employee assistance program (EAP) and personal cell phone plan discounts. Our work environment is flexible and supportive, with ample opportunities for collaboration within and across departments, programs and locations. 

Our Agency

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a behavioral health organization serving individuals and families across Western Massachusetts. From our early days as a child guidance clinic, we have expanded into a full service behavioral health agency, committed internally to excellence while we collaborate externally with community partners to participate in a comprehensive system of assistance and resources for the residents of our communities. We employ over 650 multi-disciplinary staff, helping thousands of families over the past 50 years. We have community based office locations throughout Western Massachusetts, including Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Orange, Athol, Gardner and Pittsfield.

Our expertise, in a nutshell, is to support people in their progress towards self-sufficiency, no matter what challenges they face on that journey. EOE/AA