Outreach Specialist

Pathways Vermont Outreach Specialist – $2000 Hiring Bonus Available

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.

Opportunity to join a brand new team supporting Vermonters experiencing homelessness to find permanent housing and access community resources. Pathways’ Outreach team will assist individuals and households who struggle with mental health challenges and/or substance use to access housing as quickly as possible. The team is especially interested in hiring someone who has their own experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, incarceration, poverty or other serious challenges.

• Available Positions: 1
• Location:
  
  Serving Chittenden County – based in Vermont (some flexibility)
• Schedule:
  
  Full-Time (35–40 hours weekly)

A Cover Letter and Resume are required with your application.

• Engage in assertive outreach, service coordination, advocacy, and other supports for program participants.
• Build 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 or substance use challenges.
• Facilitate telehealth or in-person meetings between the 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, and programs.
• Communicate with potential program participants, especially those 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 (unless excused by the employee’s manager/HR).

• 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.).
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and 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.

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs regularly to attend community meetings.
• Frequent use of personal vehicle and driving throughout the state for meetings.
• Regular operation of a…