Community Outreach Worker

COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER II (6701) – CARE ACT PROCEEDINGS

The Alameda County Public Defender's Office is seeking a Community Outreach Worker II, passionate about providing outreach and advocacy for at risk clients as part of the legal defense team.

The Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) ACT was created to prevent psychiatric hospitalizations and incarceration for Californians living with untreated schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders. The “petitioner” who may be a family member, behavioral health specialist, or first responder, initiates CARE proceedings for a “respondent” who meets specified criteria, by filing a petition with the court to create a voluntary plan that may include treatment, housing resources, and other services.

The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office represents the respondent in these proceedings.

The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office provides its clients with comprehensive holistic defense services. Our model of client-centered holistic defense is enhanced by wrap‑around services for those subject to criminal, civil commitment, or immigration proceedings. We provide the highest quality of indigent defense by vigorously advocating for the rights of our clients, in pursuit of a fair and unbiased system of justice for all.

For additional info, please visit: http://www.acgov.org/defender/.

The Office is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we deeply value the diversity of our staff. We are committed to building and supporting a culturally diverse workplace, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply.

A community outreach worker assists individuals experiencing challenges, such as housing, mental health, and medical support. The position requires one‑on‑one time with individuals to access community resources and support services. To build trust and advocate for the needs of their clients, community outreach workers may draw on their own lived (or professionally equivalent) experiences to meet clients “where they are.”

Community outreach workers will provide field‑based services and referrals to individuals, many of whom are chronically houseless with substance use and/or health conditions.

Through regular engagement and rapport building, outreach workers may act as a liaison between behavioral health agencies, full‑service partnerships, and other members of the CARE team. Community outreach workers are expected to accurately document client contacts and outreach efforts, attend and participate in client case conferences, and offer support for the client alongside the attorney at all court hearings.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications stated below, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of success in the following areas:

• Familiarity with community groups, housing services, mental health supports and social service programs in Alameda County and surrounding areas.
• Competency in culturally responsive approaches when working with families and individuals from diverse backgrounds, interpersonal styles, and abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with a team of other professionals from within the office as well as other agencies.
• Confidence to learn and apply new information quickly, while working independently.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the capacity to set priorities, meet deadlines, and shift gears when necessary.
• Strong sense of conflict‑resolution skills and ability to maintain a calm demeanor.
• A high degree of personal integrity to maintain confidential and sensitive…