Description

SUMMARY

The Outreach Specialist will conduct outreach and engagement services among people experiencing homelessness with severe mental illness for the purpose of facilitating transition into Haven for Hope and to connect consumers to essential services requested, including, but not limited to mental health services, benefits acquisition, food resources, medical services, etc. The Outreach worker will also work in conjunction with Haven for Hope's Intake Department and affiliated agencies to facilitate access to Haven for Hope's multitude of services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct outreach and engagement to people experiencing homelessness, utilizing strength-based case management, motivational interviewing and harm reduction concepts.
• Provide and maintain accurate and timely records of outreach, engagement, location, status and demographics, to meet agency productivity standards as dictated for this position.Will log all daily encounters; including outcomes of each encounter. Specialist will be responsible for entering client information into HMIS. Will provide weekly and monthly reports on metrics and program initiative.
• Respects and honors rights and responsibilities of individuals and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics.
• Work with local law enforcement agencies on strategies to relocate consumers from the public right of way that continue to refuse services while continuing to exhibit anti-social behavior.
• Work well in collaboration with your immediate team member while demonstrating effective communication skills, good safety measures and professional ethics and boundaries.

• Be knowledgeable of each person's needs, their behavioral health assessments and housing plans and work in coordination with the team and community partners to ensure a continuum of care.
• Provide advocacy and warm hand off to appropriate agencies when consumers are in need of securing benefits, mental health services, housing programs, medical services and emergency services.

• Assist consumers in setting their own goals by coaching and supporting them in identifying realistic steps to achieve their goals.
• Be readily available and able to facilitate schedule for outreach transports and facilitate access to emergency shelters and/or disseminate survival items to homeless individuals when severe weather is called by the City of San Antonio and/or determined by Haven for Hope.
• Properly utilize company transport vehicles only while performing outreach and notify Outreach upper management prior to going outside zone for agency assistance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in a Human/Social Services, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

EXPERIENCE.

Strong candidates will have significant experience providing outreach services to the homeless population with an emphasis on experience with homeless individuals with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. This position requires a general understanding of cultural differences, have a strong appreciation of and respect for other cultures (including sub-cultures within the homeless population) and have a willingness to expand their understanding of cultural awareness in the context of clinical work.

Shared Lived Experience with homelessness, mental health and/or substance abuse challenges is a plus. With five years recovery.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES.

• This position requires strong interpersonal, clinical, and organizational skills along with a warm, friendly and consumer-centered approach. Candidates for this position will need to be able to form strong working relationships with people sleeping outside in order to facilitate placement at Haven for Hope, other community emergency shelters, assist with the navigation of various social service programs, complete related data entry.
• The successful candidate must be able to work independently, as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and be able to work collaboratively in the community among other service providers, business owners, community residents and team members. The candidate must also have a solid command of client confidentiality and build and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• The Outreach Worker must have an understanding of, and commitment to master and integrate into day-to-day services the following best practices/philosophies of care: recovery-oriented systems of care, motivational interviewing, strengths-based case management, client centered care, and trauma informed care. Candidates should be comfortable providing services on the streets and throughout the community.
• The Outreach Worker must be able to navigate the Homeless Management Information System database, Smart System and other software, using desktop and mobile technology. This includes the ability to enter data and retrieve data to prepare reports.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Prefer a valid Texas Driver’s License, a good driving record, reliable transportation and proper insurance coverage on automobile used for work. Monthly reimbursement for applicable and documented work-related expenditures is provided. Travel within the city and its surrounding areas will be required (if applicable).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasional vigorous physical activity such as hiking to encampments, carrying supplies, loading supplies in the van, working in extreme weather, having to lift more than 50lbs can be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT.

Direct services will be provided within the boundaries of the Downtown Improvement District.
The schedule for this position is 40 hours per week with schedules reflecting Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. Some evening and weekend hours will be required, particularly during severe weather events.

This position requires a high degree of flexibility and work location mobility. The position requires daily travel throughout the San Antonio area. Consequently, the Outreach Worker is required to have a valid driver's license, auto insurance, a clean driving record and must be able to pass a Department of Motor Vehicles check.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate