Mental Health Outreach Coordinator - Evenings

JOB TITLE: Mental Health Outreach Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Mental Health

REPORTS TO: Director of Mental Health

CLASSIFICATION: Non Exempt

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 1 PM - 9 PM

In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, Covenant House is committed to giving homeless youth a safe haven, absolute respect, unconditional love, and a path to lasting independence through housing programs and a continuum of care through supportive services. The Mental Health Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing mental health outreach initiatives aimed at engaging homeless and at-risk youth in mental health services.

This position requires a focus on trauma-informed care, ensuring that youth experiencing homelessness are provided with compassionate, accessible, and effective mental health support. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with community organizations, shelter staff, and external mental health providers to ensure that youth are connected to appropriate services and resources that support their emotional and psychological well-being.

• Outreach Program Development & Implementation:
  Design and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy to identify, engage, and connect homeless youth to mental health services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and long-term therapeutic support.
• Develop and execute community outreach events and initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues among homeless youth and promote available services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create pathways for youth to access mental health care.

• Trauma-Informed Engagement:
  Ensure all outreach efforts are grounded in trauma-informed practices, with sensitivity to the unique experiences of youth who have experienced homelessness and trauma.
• Approach outreach and engagement in a way that respects the dignity, autonomy, and needs of youth, promoting a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment.
• Train and support shelter staff and volunteers to engage with youth in a trauma-sensitive way, understanding the impact of trauma on behavior and mental health.

• Mental Health Education & Resource Navigation:
  Provide educational materials and resources to youth and their families (when applicable) about mental health, coping strategies, and the benefits of accessing mental health services.
• Offer information and referrals to youth about available mental health services, both within the shelter and in the community.
• Act as a resource for shelter staff and youth in navigating mental health services, ensuring that services are accessible, culturally relevant, and meet the specific needs of the youth population.

• Youth Engagement & Case Coordination:
  Engage youth in one-on-one conversations to assess mental health needs and provide initial support or referrals to appropriate mental health resources.
• Completes brief mental health screenings on homeless youth seeking to engage in Mental Health Services.
• Work collaboratively with case managers and other shelter staff to integrate mental health services into individual case plans for youth residents.
• Coordinate with mental health providers to ensure that youth receive consistent and coordinated care, and that all appropriate services are being accessed.

• Crisis Response & Intervention:
  Identify mental health gaps for homeless youth and collaborate with Street Outreach Response Team.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization support to youth in immediate mental health distress, following trauma-informed protocols to de-escalate and assess the need for emergency services.
• Work closely with the shelter’s mental health team to ensure that emergency mental health services are available for youth in crisis situations.
• Participate in on-call rotations or after-hours crisis support as needed.

• Monitoring And Follow-Up:
  Track and monitor the progress of youth engaged in mental health services, ensuring that follow-up support is provided and that youth are supported in maintaining their mental health…