Outreach Specialist

Pathways Vermont Outreach Specialist

The Company: Pathways Vermont provides community-based mental health services and collaborative learning that centers people as the experts of their own lives. We strengthen our communities and the system of care by elevating the voices of lived experience.

Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people interested in providing supportive social services to Vermonters including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.

The Role: Opportunity to join a team supporting Vermonters experiencing homelessness to access community resources. Vermont has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of people who are unhoused throughout the state. Pathways' Outreach team will assist individuals and households who struggle with mental health challenges and/or mental health and substance use challenges to access benefits and services as quickly as possible. Pathways is especially interested in hiring those who have lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, incarceration, poverty or other challenges.

Available Positions: 1

Location: Serving Rutland County OR Chittenden County (Vermont)

Schedule: Full-Time (35-40 Hours Weekly)

Application Requirements: A Cover Letter and Resume are required with your application.

Responsibilities:

• Engage in assertive outreach, service coordination, advocacy, and other supports for program participants
• Building rapport and relationships with individuals, meeting people where they are including motels, shelters, and camping areas
• Participate in outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness who have serious mental health
• Facilitate telehealth or in-person meetings between team mental health counselor and potential program participants to complete mental health and substance use screening
• Ensure all households are captured in the Coordinated Entry system and data is accurate in the local Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS)
• Make referrals to appropriate community resources and support enrollment
• Collect information about service recipients' housing needs and preferences and assist in completion of applications for housing subsidies and rental units
• Document service provision in electronic health record including screening data, progress notes, incident reports, document collection, institutionalization record, etc.
• Maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other documentation requirements
• Practice Intentional Peer Support, and other best practices for supporting persons experiencing homelessness
• Facilitate client driven referrals and participation in other peer services, wellness activities, community events, programs, etc.
• Communicate with potential program participants especially to persons who are literally homeless or experiencing a mental health crisis
• Facilitate additional eligibility assessments and meetings as needed for referred service recipients
• Collect information about service recipients' housing needs and preferences
• Ensure that the service recipient is connected with team members after intake is completed
• Accurately and timely record service recipient, intake, and outreach data in appropriate database
• Monitor statewide subsidy programs and manage program participant list
• Other duties as assigned
• Attendance at the annual All Staff and Programmatic Retreats is an expectation of employment with Pathways Vermont, unless excused by the employee's manager/HR. Retreats are held on workdays, during normal working hours, and are fully paid.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or comparable work experience (preferably with persons who have experienced homelessness or have a psychiatric disability) and at least 3-5 years relevant experience
• Strong skills in database entry and computer programs (including Google Apps, Internet browsers, electronic medical records, etc.)
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment as well as possess strong problem-solving skills, work ethic, and computer proficiency
• Must be able to work flexible hours, occasional long days
• Valid driver's license, insurance, and reliable vehicle required
• Ability to travel statewide
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Commitment to Pathways mission
• Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs regularly to attend community meetings and meet with prospective service recipients
• Frequent use of personal vehicle and driving throughout the state for meetings
• Regular operation of a computer and other office machinery including typing
• Frequent talking and listening in the participation of exchanging ideas through spoken word and occasional receipt and giving of detailed information through oral communication
• Moderate reading responsibilities
• Occasionally lifting and carrying 30 pounds
• Occasional exposure to outside environmental conditions for outreach events and meeting with service recipients
• Occasional exposure to high levels of noise and persons who are upset, angry or in an extreme state
• Occasional reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting of arms to participate in cleaning an organization

Compensation:

• 100% Full-Time Equivalent, hourly employee
• 35-40 hour work week
• $23-$25/hour
• $2000 Hiring Bonus Available

*Hiring Bonus will be paid after successful completion of 60 day introductory period and review with supervisor

Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Long Term Disability/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)
• 9 Paid Holidays Annually
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Longevity Recognition Rewards
• Access to a wide variety of facilitated trainings including Intentional Peer Support

It is the policy of Pathways Vermont that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identification, or disability.