Outreach Specialist (52690)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible for community and street outreach. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as an active part of the San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) outreach team and carry out all required responsibilities as needed.
• Provide screening, assessment, and brief interventions to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.
• May be required to provide referrals to community partners, case management services, education, and appropriate community resources.
• Participation in facilitating ancillary services, i.e., continuing care, networking with community agencies, participating in Homeless Connect events and developing and updating referral and resource information, etc.
• Participation in case staffing, team meetings and Fresno Madera Continuum of Care Outreach Committee meetings as required.
• Coordinate and partner with community resources to promote the wellbeing of the homeless and veterans (i.e., WestCare, Fresno Housing Authority, Fresno County Department of Social Services, VA, Vet Center, FMCoC).
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of available community resources and act as liaison.
• Conduct outreach activities in the Fresno Madera urban and rural communities including street outreach.
• Attend scheduled meetings within the community.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be sensitive to populations served.
• Ability to work flexible schedule (schedule may include weekends and evening hours).
• Military/Veteran is preferred.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• 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:

• Experience consisting of two (2) years of experience in counseling, therapy, prevention services, and/or social work is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with individuals suffering from mental health and substance abuse disorders is required.
• Experience consisting of two (2) years of providing direct outreach services in an intensive setting is preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, or other field related to the position is preferred.
• GED or High School Diploma is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Transportation of clients in company vehicle.