Outreach Specialist/Case Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

The WGMC Health Partnership, also known as the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic, provides qualifying residents of Will and Grundy counties access to the following free services: healthcare, care coordination, healthcare navigation services, primary care, specialty care, dental care and wellness services, and social services. The Clinic also provides low and no-cost medications through our on-site dispensary.

Beginning in July 2020, we began a new program initiative that extends free care coordination services to individuals who may or may not have access to health insurance, but who are homeless or housing insecure. In July 2021 we added street outreach services. Our program includes:

• Emergency Shelter Services
• Street Outreach
• Counseling
• Psychiatric Health Clinic Services
• Psychiatric Medication Management
• Therapy (Group and Individual)
• Case Management
• Care Coordination
• Medical Respite
• Tenant Based Rental Assistance
• Linkage Services

Wil-Grundy Medical Clinic is the first organization to provide street outreach programs in
Will & Grundy counties. Our ground-breaking programs are committed to transforming the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness through comprehensive street outreach that restores dignity and partners with individuals to reach their housing and life goals. Using a collaborative approach to street outreach, our providers are able to:

• Identify, engage, and assess individuals in need of services,
• Refer and keep engaged individuals connected to services,
• Report any changes to individual statuses, and
• Document contact and collect needed documentation for referred programs and services.

These outreach goals are met by meeting people where they are in order to build relationships and by establishing creative community partnerships that eliminate barriers to services. The goal is to provide housing to those who need it. Based on vulnerability, persons are classified and connected to housing resources.

POSITION: Outreach Specialist /Case Manager

The Outreach Specialist /Case Manager will provide onsite Coordinated Assessment for individuals and/or families who are Literally Homeless and will work as part of a team with the overall goal of improving the quality of life via a holistic approach. Provision of services includes immediate assessment of the need for shelter, warm hand-off referral to community providers, transportation, and essential supplies such as water, PPE, blankets, etc. This role offers unlimited growth opportunities and continuous learning and development.

DUTIES: Connect with homeless individuals in the community and provide resources.

This role is a vital part of a close-knit team that offers transformational services to clients in need experiencing housing insecurity and possibly mental health and/or substance challenges in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimally one to two years of case management experience preferred; Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be able to relate appropriately and effectively with participants and families, other staff, and personnel of other community agencies. Must have knowledge of the health care delivery system and social services available in Will and Grundy Counties.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Uphold and fulfill the mission of the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic.

Under the supervision of the Outreach Team Leader, the Outreach Specialist /Case
Manager works with WGMC’s Outreach Team to build relationships with homeless neighbors, provide advocacy, and assist with connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with services and housing. This role is responsible for identifying unsheltered homeless neighbors through direct street outreach activities.

Must have an empathetic approach to working with community members in need who are experiencing homelessness. Candidate must be enthusiastic and utilize best practices such as Trauma Informed Care and Crisis intervention. Knowledge of

Naloxone use and distribution is also preferred. This position requires travel to several diverse areas of Will and Grundy Counties.

• Visit communities and canvasses neighborhoods.
• Work collaboratively with the Clinical Director and team members to conduct outreach in the community, focusing on those who are most vulnerable.
• Utilize Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to collect client data
• Visit with neighbors experiencing homelessness and confers about obstacles preventing participation in programs and identify means of overcoming those obstacles.
• Assist neighbors experiencing homelessness with accessing resources and making referrals; continue to engage with unsheltered homeless neighbors until shelter or permanent housing is obtained.
• Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.
• Maintain computerized client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, and other reports as directed.
• Develop a relationship with neighbors through frequent outreach visits to foster trust building and support participation in programs.
• Encourage and support client participation in activities and events that increase the ability to remain linked to care and/or behavioral health care, identify employment options or cash benefits, and identify housing options

Additional Job Functions

1. Complete Training in Will Co CoC HMIS – due within 14 days of hire.
2. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of stressors that can impact community members experiencing homelessness or those at imminent risk.
3. Able to maintain client confidentiality.
4. Knowledge of Substance Use, Addiction, and Mental Health.
5. Valid Driver’s License – reliable car – comprehensive insurance
6. Work and communicate effectively with other agencies – community partners and as part of a team.
7. Identify and assist veterans and other community members to find and access community resources that support the suggestions of the CDC / HUD for mitigating COVID-19 exposure and recovery.

8. Work with clients at Non-Congregate Shelters performing intake and assessment for housing/resource match

9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite & Google Docs applications
10. High regard for data collection and unbiased data entry
11. Able to enter assessments into the HMIS database in real-time and off-site if necessary.

Will Grundy Medical Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: People of color, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender, and
Veterans are welcomed and strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24