Outreach Case Manager-Hamden Outreach-Hamden in New Haven, Connecticut at Columbus House

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Outreach Case Manager seeks to outreach and engage men and women over the age of eighteen who are homeless and struggle with unresolved issues of mental illness and substance abuse and are not receiving services and to link them to agencies and activities that will stabilize their lives, support their recovery, and empower them to end their homelessness.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• BA Degree in related field or minimum 3 years’ exp. in human services or related fields.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a deadline-oriented mindset.
• Strong written and oral communication skills employing the English language.
• Proficient is Microsoft Office and other common desk top applications.
• Able to use the substance abuse, mental health, and social services providers.
• Familiar with criminal justice and able to engage, manage, motivate, and support.
• Familiar with mental health, substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues and group dynamics.
• Knowledgeable of all aspects of the delivery of person-centered case management.
• Able to meet all documentation requirements.
• Knowledgeable about crisis intervention, boundaries, confidentiality, universal precautions, harm reduction, trauma informed care and motivational interviewing
• Valid drivers’ license with a good driving history

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES DESIRED

• Master’s Degree
• CADAC or CADAC eligible
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish
• Knowledgeable about PTSD
• Competent with HMIS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

• Ability to move independently throughout the state, the local community, and Columbus House facilities.
• Ability to climb stairs where elevators are not available.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform tasks commonly found in an office environment such as talking on the telephone, reading documentation both in hard copy and on computer, writing, computer data entry, filing, faxing, copying etc.
• Ability to operate agency provided motor vehicles for the transportation of clients and Outreach Activities
• Ability to lift and move employer and client property generally not in excess of 25 pounds.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

• Strong empathetic skills
• Able to assess strengths, barriers, and needs to assist clients in identifying personal goals, values, and priorities.
• Emotional resiliency in assisting those with histories of trauma.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide linkages for clients who are in need of social, mental health, educational, vocational, recreational, spiritual, and or substance abuse services.
2. Provide transportation to appointments for clients.
3. Coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and social service providers.
4. Attend weekly and monthly agency, program and network meetings.
5. Monitor all cases assigned and complete all documentation/charting required by Columbus House and its relevant funders and enter timely into Homeless Management Information System Database Case Worthy
6. Conduct street outreach at least 3 times a week; one time during the early morning, afternoon and late evening hours with flexibility to meet the needs of the Program by engaging individuals who may meet criteria and completing First Contact Forms when appropriate
7. Conduct pre-screening when applicable, intake/admission, case notes, discharges, and behavior contracts etc.
8. Engage in “street” outreach in all kinds of weather conditions.
9. Respond promptly to encampment and outreach inquiries by the CAN and other Providers by engaging appropriate team for follow up.
10. Other related duties as assigned by Manager or Director

KEY COMPETENCIES

1. Communication Proficiency both written and verbal
2. Problem Solving/Analysis & organizational Skills
3. Person-centered service planning
4. MS Office and Web –Based Reporting
5. Outcome focused, able to advocate for clients as well as support self-advocacy.
6. Capacity to work within a team and foster teamwork.