OUTREACH SPECIALIST-P CHICAGO AVE

4734 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
Full-time, non-exempt
Hourly Rate: $24.00- $26.00
Are you a compassionate professional looking to serve communities in need? At Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS), we’ve been a trusted provider of healthcare and mental wellness services in Chicago for over 50 years, operating across 14+ locations. We’re looking for dedicated individuals eager to make an impact in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. Join our mission-driven team and enjoy affordable benefits.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to transfer knowledge and skills in areas such as, but not limited to, engagement, developing a therapeutic alliance, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed services, cultural competence, conflict mediation, etc.;
• Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred;
• Flexible to adapt to schedules of workload to the needs and demands of the program;
• Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle in course of employment;
• Ability to travel to various agency locations throughout the Chicagoland area;
• H.A.S. requires all staff to work on site.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. Bachelor’s degree, from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval, is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in case management and/or outreach setting (personal experience participating in services may substitute for up to 1 year of work experience);

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

EEO

It is the policy of H.A.S. not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Outreach Team Lead, the Outreach Specialist is responsible for working as a part of a team to provide comprehensive support services to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Outreach specialists maintain long-term relationships with homeless communities around the Austin community and nearby west suburbs to effectively deliver low-barrier services with the goal of connecting people experiencing homelessness who are living with SMI and/or SUD to permanent supportive housing or other housing resources as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides outreach and case management services including intakes, assessments, basic service planning, referral and linkage management, and advocacy to and for individuals who are homeless.
• Identifies participant needs, including barriers to receiving appropriate services and assists with effective problem solving to address issues.
• Supports participants in obtaining vital documents, including but not limited to state ID, birth certificates, and social security cards.
• Connects participants with any housing waitlist resources as eligible, including Coordinated Entry System, SRN, CHA, site-based HUD section 8, SROs, and more. Continues to work with participants until they are successfully transitioned to housing.
• Supports participants with linkage to mainstream benefits including LINK, Medicaid, and SSI/SSDI based eligible.
• Maintains working relationships with community partner agencies offering various housing and community services to our participant base.
• Conducts regular visits to all identified outreach encampments and locations in the catchment area, including and work to continuously identify new areas and individuals who are in need of services.
• Actively participates in relevant networks/coalitions serving clients affected by SUD, SMI, and homelessness.
• Delivers harm reduction supplies, resources, and education to participants and neighboring communities.
• Documents all service provision in a timely fashion in HMIS as well as in CareLogic.
• Displays thorough understanding of trauma-informed care and harm reduction.
• Liaises with appropriate community resources on behalf of clients.
• Performs other duties as requested.