Outreach Specialist

The Outreach Specialist will be expected to engage individual’s experiencing homelessness and assist them in accessing self-identified needs, such as, health, housing, behavioral health and basic needs. This will be a full time position at 37.5 hours per week.

JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. Build rapport and connect with individuals who are living unsheltered, with the goal of connecting them to supportive services.

2. Refer clients into case management, coordinated entry, or other agency programs, as appropriate.

3. Work with program coordinator to develop strategies on reducing the stigma regarding individuals with opioid use disorder in the community.

4. Input and maintain information regarding referrals in database. Keep detailed case notes of client interactions.

5. Build effective relationships with treatment providers and community partners for warm hand-offs, as well as, assisting individuals in accessing appropriate resources related to pursuing recovery and attending appointments.

6. Provide transportation resources to access treatment services and/or support in getting to an appointments.

7. Provide on-going education and advocacy for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder, including information on overdosing, Narcan, and Fetanyl testing strips.

8. Assist clients in navigating the intake system for treatment services.

9. Coordinate with case management staff to meet the individual needs of new and existing program participants;

10. Assist program coordinator with collection, entry, and tracking of impact data.

11. Assist with recruiting, training, and onboarding volunteers.

12. Attends Community Action staff meetings and other meetings and trainings as required.

13. Other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

Education & Experience

Lived experience preferred and will be given priority over education and work/volunteer experience.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Degree in Human Services or related field desired.

1-2 years case management experience preferred.

Experience working with homeless population, and those with substance abuse and mental health disorders, preferred.

Or a combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work.

License(s) & Certification(s)

Must have valid driver license and auto liability insurance if personal vehicle is used for work-related travel.

Recovery Coach and Diversion Training preferred.

Training necessary (within 6 months of hire): Blood borne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR, Safety, Mandated Reporting, Confidentiality, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Harm Reduction, Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention, Suicide Prevention, Ethics, Overdose prevention, recognition, and response.

Skills & Abilities

Spanish/English bilingual desired, but not required.

Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflict and de-escalate issues.

Must demonstrate passion for helping those with O.U.D.

Ability to work well with others and exercise strong teamwork skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Knowledge of community resources.

Ability to exercise safe and independent judgement.

Ability to work independently, as well as, part of a team.

Ability to maintain and prioritize personal safety in all environments.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook programs.

Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written).

Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine) is needed.

Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work may be performed in an office environment or outside street environment. May be required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time. Sufficient mobility is required for the use of office equipment and driving. Hearing and communication ability must be sufficient to perform essential job functions. May be frequently exposed to situational, environmental or health hazards, such as mental health issues, drug abuse/paraphernalia, domestic violence, blood, fecal matter, parasites, and communicable disease. Travel within and outside Agency’s service area will be required for outreach, meetings, training and other job-related activities.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting Pay Range between $23.41 - $25.85 per hour (DOE)

Benefits include:

Medical & Dental Insurance including Rx and Vision

Life Insurance and AD&D coverage

SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan (3% Employer Match)

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

12 Holidays per year

Health club discount

(Community Action reserves right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit at any time for any reason.)

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by providing ALL items requested. Please submit the following: (1) Community Action Application (2) Resume (3) Letter of Interest. You can find all job announcements and apply online on our website at www.communityactionskagit.org

Community Action of Skagit County reserves the right to extend application deadlines and to modify the selection schedule without notice, to form eligibility lists for, or make appointments to, other positions with similar employment requirements. Community Action of Skagit County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you require accommodation in the application process, please contact our HR Department.