Outreach Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The person in this position will be responsible for providing outreach and engaging with at-risk populations to provide education, support, and resources related to Fentanyl overdose. Person in this position will be responsible for conducting the direct outreach, education, and building trust within the community. This person will also be responsible for connecting with and creating new partnerships with local service providers in the community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct targeted outreach to individuals and communities at high risk of Fentanyl overdose.
• Engage in street outreach, community events, and other methods to connect with the target population.
• Build relationships and establish trust with individuals struggling with substance use.
• Deliver educational sessions and workshops on Fentanyl overdose prevention, harm reduction, and safe drug use practices.
• Distribute educational materials and resources to individuals and community organizations.
• Provide information on local treatment and support services.
• Provide training on the proper administration of Naloxone (Narcan) to community members, first responders, and individuals at risk.
• Distribute Naloxone kits to those who may need them.
• Offer referrals to healthcare providers, treatment facilities, and support services.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, including the number of individuals reached and educational sessions conducted.
• Share data with Program Coordinator for program evaluation.
• Collaborate with local agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen outreach efforts.
• Attend meetings, conferences, and community events relevant to the program’s goals.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental attitude toward individuals affected by substance use.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Must have a valid class CA Driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for WestCare’s Vehicle Insurance.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in outreach, community engagement, or harm reduction.
• Knowledge of Fentanyl, opioid use disorders, and harm reduction principles.
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in the community with providers; all documentation is provided in an office setting.
• Street outreach is also necessary to meet the clients where they are. 
• Travel to community-based providers is required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds.  Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files).  Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations using approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.  Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues.  However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, instructions, and opinions. 
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations using approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.