Posted on September 27, 2012

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PATH Outreach Specialist

The PATH Outreach Specialist is responsible for assisting the project coordinator (The PATH Housing Case Manager) in all phases of the project, including development and ongoing implementation, consistent with the vision of Community Housing Network as an organization. This position includes a large outreach component, canvassing the Pontiac and other areas in Oakland County where persons experiencing homelessness may congregate, locating those that are homeless with mental health issues and developing trust built relationships with these individuals. Screening and intake, along with linking to CMH and mainstream resources is an important part of this position. An important component of this position is assisting eligible and appropriate program participants to pursue benefits in the specific SOAR approach. Data entry into HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) and good documentation skills are required. Networking with other agencies and stakeholders to offer unified and collaborative efforts to service homeless individuals and assist in the recovery process is also a component of this work.

The PATH Outreach Specialist is responsible for a wide-range of duties all of which require: excellent organizational skills, the ability to communicate effectively both in person and via telephone, the ability to multi-task and to be pro-active and self-directed, excellent record-keeping and reporting skills, and good computer skills. Documentation is an important part of this position to insure that services and assistance are up to date and accurate, as well as the ability to compile medical information into a summary for SOAR applications.

Employment Category

Full-Time, Hourly, Non-exempt position. Some evenings and weekends may be required. Ability to work flexible work schedule.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Participate in development and implementation of a consistent outreach schedule specifically in the Pontiac area as well as other areas of Oakland County to include engaging homeless persons to establish trust based relationships and educate them in housing and recovery resources. Outreach schedules should include canvassing on the street to those literally homeless and places those experiencing homelessness are known to congregate, warming centers and shelters, and referrals from community partners.
• Conduct immediate intake and assessments for homeless individuals during outreach to determine eligibility, short term and long term housing and supportive service needs. Provide basic screening referrals as applicable to alternate programs if the applicant is not eligible for internal programs and provide resources as necessary
• Maintain contact and document interactions with all PATH program participants on an ongoing basis. Link to other programs, services and organizations as appropriate in conjunction to services.
• Compile and prepare applications for Social Security on behalf of eligible PATH program participants in accordance with the SOAR process.
• Provide program participants with hands on assistance to link with mental health services through the community mental health system. Assistance will include but is not limited to, making the phone call or visit for screening and eligibility with the program participant, providing follow up documentation, and continuing to communicate with assigned service providers to coordinate services.
• Provide assistance to locate mainstream and community resources in obtaining benefits, birth certificates, social security cards and other important documents necessary for housing and supportive services
• Assist in efforts to secure housing for PATH program participant by utilizing existing resources within the county. This will include but is not limited to, assisting the program participant in filling out housing applications, locating mainstream resources to assist with security deposits and other housing assistance needs, and providing the limited financial assistance available through PATH when the program participant is eligible and funding is available.
• Develop an individualized housing case plan for all PATH program participants, while providing consultation to consumers and supportive service providers to develop housing goals and interventions in the person centered planning process.
• Provide housing related case management on an ongoing basis for program participants, working with consumers and landlords to establish positive professional relationships
• Collect data for the local HMIS to provide statistics regarding homeless persons and outcomes of program services
• Contribute input and feedback in the creation and implementation of project evaluation materials for PATH
• Participate in community-based activities when appropriate such as Project Connect, PIT Count, and Human Services Fairs
• Collect and input data into the local HMIS to provide statistics regarding PATH Program Applicants and Participants, as well as documentation of all contacts, assistance and services provided. Information will be entered in a timely manner to insure accuracy of all reports/demographics at any given time
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications/Expectations

• Timely completion of required documentation, paperwork, and tasks
• Compliance with HUD and local governing agency/entity regulations and standards
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records
• Timely submission of Time and Expense reports
• Maintain equipment in good working order
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively, both internally and externally, with individuals with diverse backgrounds
• Effective communication both in person and telephone interactions and writing skills
• Organizational and management skills to supervise and guide others
• Working knowledge of computer programs such as MS Office, internet and databases
• Strong leadership skills to promote development and vision to create a successful program consistent with agency’s mission
• Must be able to communicate and relate his or her experiences as a customer of a community mental health system and their personal recovery story
• Ability to get and maintain Peer Support Specialist Certification
• Experience working with homeless and precariously housed persons and at risk households is preferred
• Experience working with community agencies and resources
• Candidates must have reliable transportation (as personal vehicles are used for required travel) and adequate insurance coverage (100/300/100 coverage)

Application Instructions

Submit resumes for PATH Outreach position online HERE