Outreach Specialist

MISSION/VISION Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. H.A.S. seeks to implement sustainable programs that benefit society by improving the well-being and recovery efforts of those individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health problems. With eleven locations across the Chicagoland area, H.A.S. provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey so that they can be successful and become contributing members of their communities.

JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Outreach Team Lead, the Outreach Specialist is responsible for working as a part of a team to provide comprehensive support services to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Outreach specialists maintain long-term relationships with homeless communities around the Austin community and nearby west suburbs to effectively deliver low-barrier services with the goal of connecting people experiencing homelessness who are living with SMI and/or SUD to permanent supportive housing or other housing resources as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
* Must be flexible and able to work outdoors in climate weather. 9am-5pm Monday-Friday Must be available for weekend events.

Must be great at outreach and case management services including intakes, assessments, basic service planning, referral and linkage management, and advocacy to and for individuals who are homeless.

Identifies participant needs, including barriers to receiving appropriate services and assists with effective problem solving to address issues.

Supports participants in obtaining vital documents, including but not limited to state , birth certificates, and social security cards.

Connects participants with any housing waitlist resources as eligible, including Coordinated Entry System, SRN, CHA, site-based HUD section 8, SROs, and more. Continues to work with participants until they are successfully transitioned to housing.

Supports participants with linkage to mainstream benefits including LINK, Medicaid, and SSI/SSDI based eligible.

Maintains working relationships with community partner agencies offering various housing and community services to our participant base.

Conducts regular visits to all identified outreach encampments and locations in the catchment area, including and work to continuously identify new areas and individuals who are in need of services.

Actively participates in relevant networks/coalitions serving clients affected by SUD, SMI, and homelessness.

Delivers harm reduction supplies, resources, and education to participants and neighboring communities.

Documents all service provision in a timely fashion in HMIS as well as in Care Logic.

Displays thorough understanding of trauma-informed care and harm reduction.

Liaises with appropriate community resources on behalf of clients.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIESAbility to transfer knowledge and skills in areas such as, but not limited to, engagement, developing a therapeutic alliance, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed services, cultural competence, conflict mediation, etc.;

Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred

Must be flexible to adapt to schedules of workload to the needs and demands of the program;

Possession of valid Illinois Driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle in course of employment, including transportation of program participants as needed.

Minimum automobile insurance required by the state of Illinois.

Ability to travel to various agency…