C.A.R.E.S Team Coordinator

Job Description

JOB TITLE:

C.A.R.E.S TEAM COORDINATOR

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEALTH

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

FULL-TIME/NON-EXEMPT

UNION/NON-UNION: SUPERVISORY AND PROFESSIONAL UNION

The C.A.R.E.S (community, action, recovery, engagement, and support) Team Coordinator provides culturally responsive, peer-informed outreach, engagement and service navigation to Pittsfield residents who may be disconnected from services or experiencing barriers to care. Under the general supervision of the Community Health Program Manager and working in close collaboration with the Public Health Nurse Manager, this position supports the Pittsfield Health Department’s Peer Support Outreach Program through mobile, street-level, and community-based engagement.

The role focuses on building trust, providing voluntary support, strengthening service connection, and advancing health, well-being, and community stability across Pittsfield.

Continued employment in this position is dependent on the availability of grant funding

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, bilingualists, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.

• Conduct peer-informed, mobile, street-level, and community-based outreach throughout the City of Pittsfield including in public spaces, community sites, and other settings where residents may be disconnected from services.
• Build trust and supportive relationships through consistent, respectful, voluntary and nonjudgmental engagement.
• Provide emotional support, peer informed encouragement active listening, and strength-based engagement to residents experiencing housing instability, substance use challenges, behavioral health concerns, social isolation or other barriers to care.
• Provide information, referrals, and service navigation related to housing, shelter food, hygiene resources, behavioral health, recovery support, primary care, benefits, transportation, and other community resources.
• Support residents in identifying personal goals, strengths, barriers, and next steps using a person-centered and recovery-oriented approach.
• Follow up on referrals and outreach contacts to help improve engagement and service connection.
• Assist residents with navigating systems and appointments and when appropriate and consistent with program policy, accompany individuals to meetings or service appointments.
• Promote awareness and use of key community resources, including The First, and other local providers and supports.
• Respond to outreach requests and referrals from community partners and municipal departments, residents, businesses and other sources for non-emergency support and service connection.
• Use trauma-informed communication, de-escalation and conflict-resolution skills to support difficult situations and reduce barriers to engagement.
• Coordinate with community partners and municipal departments, and service providers to support referrals, follow up, and continuity of care.
• Document outreach activity, referrals, follow up, and other required information in the department’s designated data system in a timely, accurate, and organized manner.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, supervision, training, case review and program evaluation activities.
• Assist with outreach materials, public education, and community engagement efforts that reduce stigma and increase awareness of supports and services.
• Observe and communicate public health and community-condition concerns encountered in the field to support coordinated follow-up.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Remains current on all referral sources, including but not limited to housing, substance abuse services, behavioral health, nutrition services, peer programs, Mass Health/Healthy Start, advocacy services, and transportation.
• Performs other public health and human services assignments as assigned or required.

• High School diploma or GED required
• Two to three years of experience in community outreach, peer or recovery support, behavioral health, homeless services, harm reduction, crisis support, human services, public health, or service navigation.
• Equivalent combinations of work experience, volunteer experience, and relevant lived or living experience will be considered.
• Lived, or living experiences relevant to recovery, behavioral health, homelessness, or navigating complex service systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable, underserved, or historically marginalized populations preferred.
• Certified community health workers, recovery coach academy training, peer support certification or related…