Peer Outreach Worker

The Peer Outreach Workers operate in close partnership with the County Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement & Services (HOPES) team.  We are looking for an individual who has direct experience working with homeless, seriously mentally ill, and substance use disordered populations and who can engage these individuals in a dialogue to encourage them in accessing community resources.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a full-time Mental Health Peer Counselor for the Santa Cruz Downtown Outreach Worker program. Wages are $28.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus $1.00/hour differential for bilingual Spanish competence. Reporting to the DOW Program Manager, under close supervision, the Peer Outreach Worker will provide services to people in the downtown corridor experiencing homelessness, including those experiencing co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance use disorders. The program supports these individuals in reducing the risk for psychiatric hospitalization and incarceration, while accessing services that can support them on the path to housing. Services include outreach, assessment and linkage to appropriate provider agencies and community resources. The Peer Outreach Worker will have the knowledge and ability to make independent decisions. Special focus will be on the individual’s needs related to housing, health care, and issues of chemical dependency and mental health. Services will be delivered with dignity and respect for each individual and a commitment to their right of choice. 

This position is scheduled to work 10 hour shifts, 4 days a week, and expectation is to work at least one weekend day.

Duties & Responsibilities:     

• Outreach and engage persons experiencing homelessness in the Santa Cruz downtown corridor, including those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Provide crisis support and intervention.
• Establish and maintain a working relationship with the downtown merchants and business community, law enforcement, downtown hospitality guides, the Veteran’s Administration and city officials.
• Develop relationships with, and link target population to appropriate support resources, including drug and alcohol treatment, health care, housing, mental health services, and homeless services.
• Provide education regarding homelessness and mental health to the downtown business community.
• Transport individuals (who may be malodorous or unkempt) to service providers.
• Complete required billing, referral and data documentation in a timely manner as required by the County, State, and agency.

Qualifications:           

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field 1 years’ professional experience working with homeless, mentally ill & substance use disordered populations
  • OR 5 year’s professional experience working with homeless, mentally ill & substance use disordered populations 
• Knowledge of community resources in Santa Cruz County
• Knowledge of homelessness and surrounding issues in this County.
• Knowledge of Harm Reduction and a core value of client-centered service provision.
• Knowledge of Housing First model
• Ability to work in an intense environment dealing with varied personalities and cultures.
• Valid CA driver's license and clearance for agency vehicle insurance coverage. 
• Criminal record clearance
• Demonstrated ability to constructively deal with a high degree of physical and emotional stress.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English highly desirable. 
• Ability to be a team player, maintain effective working relationships and communicate in a respectful and professional manner when dealing with fellow employees, outside agencies and residents.

Wages & Benefits: 

We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits reflect this commitment. We offer full-time employees medical and dental insurance plan that ensures peace of mind for themselves and their families. We go beyond traditional care by also offering our employees acupuncture and chiropractic, embracing a holistic approach to health that aligns with our values of care and compassion.     

Our team’s future matters just as much as the present. That’s why we offer a 403(b) retirement plan, providing a foundation for a secure retirement. We also recognize the need for work-life balance, so Encompass offers a competitive package of 17 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 14 additional paid holidays. These benefits are thoughtfully pro-rated for part-time positions, affirming our commitment to fairness and flexibility. 

About Us: 

At Encompass Community Services we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, behavioral health, housing and more. Every day through these services we work to make health, education and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 40 years our work has touched generations by helping people have access to education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and regain dignity. 

Salary : $28