Homeless Outreach Team Human Services Coordinator
- MA Mental Health Center
- Boston, MA, USA
- $68,435 - $93,470 yearly
Job Description
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Homeless Outreach Team is seeking a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC) to provide outreach and engagement to individuals that are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and other mental health challenges. The successful candidate for this position will visit individuals in the shelters, streets and drop in shelters to assist in engaging in services, treatment, coordinate with community mental health services.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provides Outreach to individuals in the community that are in need of crisis intervention services and/or arranges for emergency crisis
- Provides outreach and identify community based services such as the shelters and streets to assist with engaging individuals who choose not to engage in services.
- Conducts intakes, assess for needed services and makes referrals to appropriate community services.
- Provide detailed and thorough documentation after each client interaction which covers visits/meetings and services that are being received.
- Assists and/or on behalf of clients with completing the Department of Mental Health application
- Consults regularly with community providers, including community shelter staff, to obtain information to support the Department of Mental Health application for needed services.
- Collaborate with clients and service providers to coordinate service delivery, assess treatment plans and identify areas of further need.
- Provides advocacy on behalf of clients for appropriate services.
- Participate as a member of the Homeless Outreach Team which includes attending and participating in case conferences and staff meetings.
- Completes referral for housing, including supported and independent housing
- Acts as a liaison between community shelters and the Department of Mental Health.
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the types, causes, and symptoms of mental illness
- Understanding of crisis intervention strategies and techniques
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff and community providers
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for individuals’ diverse backgrounds, including religion, disability, and gender identity
- Ability to maintain accurate and compliant documentation
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to supervise, support, and motivate team members
- Skilled at managing tasks in fast-paced environments
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing Homeless Outreach Team activities
- Strong information-gathering skills through observation, interviewing, and record review
- Ability to effectively engage individuals with untreated mental illness in unstructured settings
- Proficiency in computer applications and standard office equipment
Knowledge of community resources and service systems
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelters, housing programs, and support services
- Familiarity with the Department of Mental Health system and available resources
- Understanding of Department of Mental Health eligibility criteria, regulations, policies, and procedures
- Knowledge of Department of Mental Health requirements, including mandated incident reporting protocols
- Awareness of local crisis response teams and psychiatric hospital systems
Ability to effectively engage and build rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness
DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
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