CSO is looking for an Outreach Worker to join our team at Friends of the Homeless in Springfield. 

The Outreach Worker will conduct case findings in contact with referral sources and on the street, provide screenings, offer information and education, help clients to manage the logistics of their substance abuse treatment, provide direct navigation and focus on clients' engagement, retention, and readiness to change. The Outreach Worker will assist in linking clients to permanent housing and provide support to maintain independence in the community. Services will be provided on an outreach basis and may be provided in a supported living site, apartment, or family home. 

The preferred candidate will have a strong background in housing processes, including knowledge of voucher programs and other subsidized programs.

Responsibilities

• Providing assistance in locating acceptable housing, negotiating leases, and obtaining furniture and other necessary fixtures
• Providing transportation to consumers as appropriate
• Maintaining appropriate contact with clients, and others in the "natural helping network", outpatient therapists, PCPs and others necessary to support consumers
• Providing skills training and assistance in areas of daily living activities
• Facilitate "mediation" as appropriate and provide counseling and support during crises or during times of transition.
• Assist consumer on finding appropriate mental health and medical services
• Provide assistance with developing and maintaining a "natural support network" of family and friend

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in behavioral health discipline or related field, or equivalent combination of high school diploma or Associate's degree and applicable experience. Minimum one year demonstrated experience working with the identified population. Knowledge of and training in identified EBPs. Good listening skills; ability to establish trusting relationships through compassion, empathy and insight, and ability to foster self-sufficiency in families using problem-solving and practical skills; familiarity with support groups and parent education groups. Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer proficiency required including ability to work with email, electronic health record and word processing software. Must be able to work independently and follow through with projects as well as be an effective member of a team. Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may include weekend and evening work, as required by client needs. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. 

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, (English/Spanish speaking.)

Benefits

We provide our employees with competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including full coverage health and dental insurance and ample paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays). Additionally, we offer a 403B retirement savings plan, an employee referral bonus program, regular in-house training and professional development opportunities with free CEUs, and voluntary supplemental insurances at group rates, including short and long-term disability, cancer, accident and life. We also offer a premier employee assistance program (EAP) and personal cell phone plan discounts. Our work environment is flexible and supportive, with ample opportunities for collaboration within and across departments, programs and locations. 

Our Agency

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a behavioral health organization serving individuals and families across Western Massachusetts. From our early days as a child guidance clinic, we have expanded into a full service behavioral health agency, committed internally to excellence while we collaborate externally with community partners to participate in a comprehensive system of assistance and resources for the residents of our communities. We employ over 650 multi-disciplinary staff, helping thousands of families over the past 50 years. We have community based office locations throughout Western Massachusetts, including Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Orange, Athol, Gardner and Pittsfield.

Our expertise, in a nutshell, is to support people in their progress towards self-sufficiency, no matter what challenges they face on that journey. EOE/AA