Outreach Specialist

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Outreach Specialist will provide outreach, engagement, and case management services to street‑sleeping individuals in the city of Boston. The role includes identifying chronically homeless individuals, assessing and planning services, making referrals for substance abuse, health and mental health care, and facilitating housing placement. Working as part of a two‑person team, the Specialist will assess needs on the streets, divert individuals from homelessness whenever possible, and collaborate closely with the Coordinated Access System to match clients with needed services and a housing pathway.

• Client Focus
  :
  Provides service excellence, responds promptly and professionally, keeps guests informed of progress, and prioritizes guest needs.
• Attention to Detail
  :
  Maintains accurate, up‑to‑date documentation in line with program standards.
• Motivating Clients
  :
  Uses motivational interviewing and solution‑focused techniques to inspire commitment to autonomy and independent living.

• High School Diploma or GED AND a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with a homeless population and delivering community‑based case management to individuals with SUD, COD and SMI.
• Valid MA driver’s license in good standing with an acceptable driving record.
• OR:
• A minimum of an Associate Degree or 60 college credits in a human services field, LADC, or CADC.
• One year experience with a homeless population and community‑based case management for SUD, COD and SMI.
• Valid MA driver’s license in good standing with an acceptable driving record.

• Minimum of one year recovery counseling or complex case client services for a vulnerable population.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse people and situations.
• Preferred:
  Experience with HMIS systems or customer databases.
• Strong experience applying motivational interviewing and stage of change work.
• Training or experience providing services to racial, cultural and ethnically diverse populations.
• Knowledge of Stage of Change work related to addiction & mental health for clients with complex disorders.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Haitian‑Creole) strongly preferred.

• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 lb, stretch, and bend.
• Ability to respond safely and quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to travel to multiple street sites and within the community.
• Ability to work at a computer and communicate by telephone.
• Must be able to drive a PSI vehicle for work.

• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Solution focus in all situations.
• Professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of homelessness, trauma, mental illness, addiction, and diverse vulnerable populations.
• History of effective teamwork.

• 65% of the time spent outdoors in all weather conditions, walking, standing, or bending.
• 35% of the time spent at the desk.

• Actively manage a caseload of chronically homeless, street‑sleeping clients, securing housing, benefits, and services.
• Maintain a solution focus.
• Provide high‑quality, culturally sensitive intensive case management using motivational interviewing, trauma‑informed care, and harm reduction.
• Conduct outreach, engagement, and case management on the streets and in the office.
• Use Trauma‑Informed Care and Stage of Change to aid clients toward positive outcomes.
• Assess vulnerability, substance abuse, mental health, legal, health, employment, independent living, and community engagement.
• Advocate with community agencies to support client growth and housing access.
• Explore existing resources and build relationships with service providers.
• Participate in referrals and aftercare/discharge planning.
• Create and implement client‑centered plans focused on housing and safety.
• Conduct triage assessments to divert individuals from homelessness.
• Collaborate with agencies on housing pathways through the Coordinated Access System.
• Ensure coordination of services in all housing placements.