CSO is looking for an Outreach Worker for our Low Threshold Housing and Services program. 

The Low Threshold Housing and Services (LTHS) Outreach Worker will conduct outreach on the street, offer information and education, help clients to manage the logistics of their substance use disorder treatment, provide referrals for housing supports, and assist in linking clients to the LTHS Housing Support Case Workers and the LTHS permanent supportive housing. The Outreach worker will focus on outreach specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness who are at risk of sexual exploitation as well individuals who are living with or who are at risk of acquiring HIV. This position is embedded in CSO programs serving this high-risk population, and operates in tandem with Housing Support Case Workers. 

Responsibilities

• Take the primary lead in conducting outreach activities and connecting with identified individuals, ensuring referral for housing supports and access.
• Focus on identifying and engaging with individuals who are homeless and at risk of sexual exploitation
• Focus on identifying and engaging with individuals who are homeless and who are at risk of acquiring HIV or who are living with HIV.
• Conduct outreach activities and connect with identified individuals to submit referral for housing supports and access.
• Coordinate with collateral providers with longstanding relationships with CSO.
• Provide transportation for consumers as appropriate, following program guidelines.
• Maintain appropriate contacts with clients, others in the "natural helping network," outpatient therapists, PCPs and others necessary to support consumers.
• Assist with advocacy needs; facilitate "mediation" as appropriate.
• Provide assistance in identifying and obtaining entitlements, which meet consumer's needs.
• Assist consumer with identifying appropriate mental health and medical services and assessing services of choice.
• Provide assistance with developing and maintaining a "natural support network" of family and friends.
• Participate in team discussions regarding program consumers in order to provide backup for other team members as needed. 

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