Outreach Specialist

The Company

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.

Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people interested in providing supportive social services to Vermonters including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.

Opportunity to join a brand new team supporting Vermonters experiencing homelessness to find permanent housing and access community resources. Vermont has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of people who are unhoused throughout the state. Pathways’ Outreach team will assist individuals and households who struggle with mental health challenges and/or mental health and substance use challenges to access housing as quickly as possible.

Pathways is especially interested in hiring someone who has their own experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, incarceration, poverty or other.

Available Positions: 1

Location:

Serving Chittenden County - based in Vermont (some flexibility regarding location)

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 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 that 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 the electronic health record including screening data, progress notes, incident reports, document collection, and 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, programs, etc.
• Communicate with potential program participants, especially to persons who are literally homeless or experiencing a mental health crisis
• Facilitate additional eligibility assessments and meetings as needed for referred service recipients
• 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 the appropriate database
• Monitor statewide subsidy programs and manage the program participant list
• Attend the annual All Staff and Programmatic Retreats, unless excused by the employee’s manager/HR. Retreats are held on workdays, during normal working hours, and are fully paid.
• Other duties as assigned

• 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
• Must be able 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