Community Outreach Liaison

Community Outreach Liaison

At Bethesda House, our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness - not just manage the symptoms. Our teams work to address each individual on a holistic level so they feel heard, respected, and safe in our care. We offer hands-on help to address chronic homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, disability, and systematic poverty by offering innovative solutions and proactive services to the most vulnerable in Schenectady County.

The Community Outreach Liaison reports to the Day Program Supervisor and supports services to address Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) under the New York 1115 Waiver Amendment which includes a broad range of housing, case management and nutritional support. The Community Outreach Liaison will receive, allocate, and monitor referrals through the Unite Us platform, follow up with staff, and ensure services are delivered. This is a vital role in bridging the gap between referrals and appropriate services by facilitating effective communication and collaboration to ensure positive outcomes.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Perform HRSN services such as:
  • Screening
  • Eligibility Assessment
  • Navigation
  • Assistance with stocking Fresh Produce and Non-perishable items in the Agency's Food Pantries
• Coordinate transportation referrals to ensure that the Transporter's schedule is accurate, efficient, and can accommodate all requests. Serve as backup Transporter as needed.
• Evaluate, approve, or decline Unite Us referrals.
• Work with the Day Program Supervisor to triage referrals and assign them to the appropriate staff.
• Check in with staff for updates on active referrals and ensure referrals are timely and effectively closed out.
• Ensure all necessary documentation is completed including the completion of the CoC application and entry of client data into the HMIS database.
• Work with the Day Program Supervisor to complete appropriate paperwork for billing.

Qualifications Education & Experience:

• Associate's degree in human services or related field.
• 2-5 years of experience providing services to individuals with chronic medical conditions and behavioral health issues or equivalent background.
• Experience working with the homeless population; people who have mental illness and/or substance abuse history and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of agencies, programs, and services in the community.
• Knowledge of eligibility criteria and application process for mainstream/entitlement programs.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Effective collaboration skills, with the ability to engage with individuals in both routine and high-stress situations related to medical conditions and social determinants of health.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and managing confrontation to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness, ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to represent the agency positively in all interactions.

Technical & Functional Skills:

• Proficiency in using computer systems, including data entry, analysis, and interpreting automated output.
• Preferred knowledge of entitlement programs (SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Public Assistance) and community resources.
• Familiarity with local agencies and programs serving homeless and low-income populations.

Organizational & Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while setting priorities and coordinating care plans, as well as collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Availability & Work Environment:

• Consistent availability during standard business hours.
• Flexibility to work beyond regularly scheduled hours when necessary to meet objectives.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from work
• Must have a valid NYS driver's license with a safe driving history for at least 1 year with no DWI or DWAI within the last 3 years.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Agency's road test and qualify for coverage under the Agency's vehicle insurance.

Schedule: Monday – Friday

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt (40 hrs/ wk)

Pay Rate: $26.00 / hr

Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Paid time off, 401(k)

This description does not contain a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities or activities that are required of the employee. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed and at any time with or without notice. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check including a DMV record search if driving is required for the position.

Bethesda House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In all employment and hiring decisions, the Agency complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, advertising, recruitment, promotion, demotion/transfer, layoff/termination of employment, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training and development.