Case Worker I - Outreach PATH - BHT

at  Catholic Charities Comm

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY’S MOST VULNERABLE WITH SOLUTIONS THAT PERMANENTLY IMPROVE LIVES

Our PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program utilizes specially trained staff and volunteers to connect seriously mentally ill homeless with treatment and housing. We build trust with clients by distributing information and life-sustaining items such as tents, sleeping bags and water. We make referrals, transport clients to treatment or shelter, but above all, we treat the people we encounter as human beings deserving of dignity and compassion. Our outreach efforts include Northern Arizona Counties. We search for people in a vulnerable situation where and when they need us—on the streets, under bridges, in the deserts and forests, even in snow storms.
JOB SUMMARY: The PATH Outreach Case Worker will include a large outreach component, canvassing the assigned area(s), locating those that are homeless or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless and diagnosed with a serious mental illnesses or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder. Developing trust built relationships with these individuals. Do screening and intake along with linking to CMH and mainstream resources. Data entry into HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). Solid documentation skills will be essential. Networking with other agencies and stakeholders to offer unified and collaborative efforts to service homeless individuals and assist in the recovery process.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Education /Background: Minimum of a High School Diploma or Equivalent plus 2 years of experience working with individuals from a variety of socio-demographic backgrounds. Associates degree preferred. BHT experience required. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Job Knowledge: Must possess good interviewing skills, must be knowledgeable of local and state resources must have knowledge of appropriate contact guidelines and requirements. Must keep accurate and detailed records. Position requires ability to handle a variety of problems and pressures, and must be effectively able to handle stress. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook).
• Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, hike, sit on floor and ambulate over uneven floor surfaces, including stairs and steps. Must be able to visually and auditory assess and interact with clients to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Requires considerable work outside of the office in extremes of winter and summer weather and substantial driving. May lift up to 30 pounds.
• Other requirements:
• Valid AZ driver’s license, reliable transportation and ability to show proof of registration/insurance.
• Level One Fingerprint clearance or ability to obtain fingerprint clearance; must maintain clearance.
• You must be 21 years of age or older to drive on behalf of Catholic Charities.
  Hourly rate starting at $16 and may increase depending on experience.
  Excellent Benefits: Medical (including Vision), Dental, Basic Life, Short-Term Disability, Vacation, Sick Time, 13 Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 403(b), EAP and Pension Plan
  We Value Diversity!

JOB DUTIES:

• Engages potential clients at community and rural locations. Distributes literature about the PATH program, available community services and benefits of the program to eligible clients.
• Establish reasonable belief of potential client’s mental illness to determine program eligibility by 3rd face to face contact.
• Completes intake and assessments with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless and who are diagnosed with a serious mental illnesses or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder.
• Refers qualified PATH clients to mental health providers, assisting with intake process and transportation as needed.
• Makes referrals to other community resources and advocates for clients as needed. Assesses and evaluates barriers to homeless clients utilizing resources and determines steps which can be taken to meet and overcome these barriers.
• Prepares and maintains an accurate and up to date listing of all known community resources, events, and general information within area.
• Seeks out new resources as they are established and developed in community.
• Establishes and maintains good public relations with other social service agencies.
• Makes recommendations for strategies to reach those segments of the population which are not utilizing services.
• Participates in public speaking events to bolster awareness of Catholic Charities PATH program.
• Maintains a daily activity log and completes files on each enrolled PATH client as required by contract. Compiles data as required and completes reports as scheduled or assigned, enters client data into HMIS system timely.
• Monitors expenditures of assistance funds.
• Promote ongoing commitment to excellence and continual quality improvement to ensure the highest quality of services to our clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.