Outreach Advocate

Bay Cove Human Services’ mission is to partner with people to overcome challenges and realize personal potential. Bay Cove pursues this mission by providing individualized and compassionate services to people facing the challenges associated with developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness at more than 175 program sites throughout Greater Boston and Southern Massachusetts.

As needed seven days a week - 2pm-12am - 10 hour shifts - Per Diem

The Outreach Advocate provides on-street relationship-building and information and referral services for men and women experiencing homelessness, substance abuse problems, and/or are at risk for HIV in the catchment area of Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont. Outreach Advocates collaborate with external agencies including other social service programs, area hospitals, police departments, and the community-at-large to develop effective responses to substance abuse problems, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness.

Individuals holding this position are the “face of the agency” in the community and must be able to represent CASPAR in an appropriate and professional manner to the community‑at‑large.

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients in the catchment area.
• Meet clients “where they are at” both geographically (e.g., on a park‑bench, in a train station, on the street, etc.) and personally (e.g., intoxicated or sober).
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with other service providers, local businesses, and concerned citizens in at least the catchment area.
• Thorough awareness of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and homeless resources (e.g., shelter and housing services, drop‑in centers, clinics, detox and other health care programs, prevention programs, etc.).
• Connect clients with desired programs through direct referrals (e.g., calling a detox, confirming a bed, and transporting client to the detox) and indirect referrals (e.g., pass along information about particular programs).
• Brief substance abuse counseling and all necessary case management activities.
• Completing all required paperwork (e.g., daily logs, intake forms), HMIS data entry, reporting, and PEMS.
• Proper care of CASPAR property (e.g., vehicles, computers, phones).
• Other outreach and prevention program duties as assigned by the Program Director.

• Excellent verbal communication skills (e.g., talk with and listen to people in a nonjudgmental way, etc.).
• Demonstrated written communication skills (e.g., clear penmanship, basic correspondence, reports, etc.).
• Belief in and passion for CASPAR’s mission and empathy for its client population.
• Ability to work constructively with a great variety of people and personalities (e.g., civic leaders, business owners, law enforcement, the general public, etc.).
• Demonstrated computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel).
• Ability to work respectfully and empathically with individuals in crisis.
• Ability to respond safely and quickly to emergency situations.
• Ability to stand for long hours, stretch, bend, lift and assist clients to safer and more appropriate locations.
• Knowledge of HIV Prevention for YMSM of color and YTG persons of color.
• Ability to walk for long periods of time.

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License with at least two years driving experience, proof of an excellent driving record, and demonstrated ability to drive a 15‑passenger van.
• CPR and First Aid, Mental Health First Aid preferred.

Bay Cove Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other groups as protected by Massachusetts or federal law. All qualified candidates, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

Bay Cove Human Services does not offer visa sponsor ships at this time and will require candidates to be authorized to work in the United States.

Pay Rate: $20.50/hour