Outreach Worker (Mental Health Services)

Overview

The ACCS Outreach Worker promotes the full integration and functioning of Persons Served (PS) needed to live successfully in the community by performing non-clinical Treatment Plan interventions assigned by a Team LPHA Clinician. Provides evidenced-based and best practice services and supports to PS in the community, in a Group Living Environment or Supported Independent Environment as part of an Intervention Team. Oversees treatment interventions of PS in assigned GLEs/SIEs.

Responsibilities

• Participate as member of intervention team for assigned PS; perform skills teaching and help PS learn about community resources and obtaining resources.
• Deliver interventions identified on the Treatment Plan targeted at skills building in life domains including activities of daily living, medication administration, symptom reduction, health and wellbeing, employment, school, socialization, and recreation.
• Attend medical, psychiatric and other appointments with PS as needed.
• Develop and maintain service-oriented and professional relationships with community resources and service providers.
• Adhere to Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures.
• Provide crisis intervention to PS when needed.
• Use trauma informed, recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches and skills training techniques.
• Help PS with self-management of symptoms through Safety Plans and medication administration program services and education.
• Participate as member of the regional ACCS Outreach Worker Community of Practice Workgroup.
• Support the provision of evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Seeking Safety, WRAP, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Promote engagement, safe housing, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of service.
• Provide thorough and thoughtful documentation of PS needs and services.
• Promote healthcare, employment and education services access for PS.
• Help with orientation of new staff and PS to the ACCS service.
• Attend trainings as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by ACCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive needed clinical treatment, resources and supports.
• Skill in helping people integrate into the community through use of natural supports and basic community resources.
• Knowledge of PS engagement strategies.
• Ability to form supportive, trusting relationships with PS and families/other supports.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues of PS.
• Knowledge of human, legal, and civil rights of PS.
• Knowledge of the effects of prejudice, discrimination, and oppression of people with psychiatric disorders, and the effects of poverty.
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of formal and informal functional assessment skills and practices.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, person-centered and strengths-based values and principles.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally competent services.
• Ability to adhere to the standards of Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, SBIRT, Housing First, Stages of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Skills and competence to provide interventions for effective Treatment Plan interventions.
• Ability to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
• Knowledge of documentation standards and requirements.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A Bachelor's degree in human services field is preferred.
• One to two years related experience working with people with psychiatric disability and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport PS.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are encouraged to apply.
• Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle.
• A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
• CPR required within first two weeks of hire.
• First Aid required within two weeks of hire.
• MAP required within 90 days of hire.