Outreach Specialist

Outreach Specialist Job Description:

Established in 1948, the Mission of ASCEND Mental Wellness is to encourage and assist individuals in discovering pathways to their optimal mental health and wellness, while supporting hope and awareness of well-being in our community.

We are looking for an Outreach Specialist to join our Outreach/LEAMHRS program that is apart of our Supportive Residential Services. Our outreach specialist will connect with these individuals and see what his or her needs are for mental health or substance abuse services, as well as their social determinants of health and what they are lacking and need to be connected to

Outreach/LEAMHRS:

ASCEND's Outreach Program focuses on individuals within the community who need support and guidance. Our goal is to connect with these individuals and to see what his or her needs are to connect them to the right services.

Our LEAMHRS – Law Enforcement Addiction & Mental Health Referral System is an outreach program that allows police departments to refer individuals to an outreach specialist for assistance in obtaining the appropriate services.

ASCEND works with Glens Falls Police Department, Hudson Falls Police Department, Warren and Washington County Sheriff's Offices, Warren and Washington County Jails, Warren County DSS, and Warren and Washington County Probation Offices..

Individuals can be referred to through social services, care management and medical services based on need. Assistance with obtaining health insurance and emergency housing are available.

ASCEND offers a comprehensive benefit package including healthcare benefits, retirement plan enrollment, and paid time off including 11 holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation, personal and sick time. Salary based on qualifications.

Outreach Specialist Qualifications & Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in the human services field/Psychology.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in both community mental health and criminal justice.
• Must be of good character and background and display an affinity for working with people with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Must have the ability to work independently, have good problem-solving skills and can work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Valid NYS driver's license acceptable to Agency insurance standards.

Outreach Specialists Job Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Receive referrals through various agencies for individuals in need of support/assistance in accessing services for mental health, substance use, housing, legal, and/or basic other needs such as food and clothing. This could include referrals from law enforcement entities, Probation, Parole, Public Defenders office, Corrections, community partners, as well as various court systems.
• Contact individuals to discuss services needed/requested and begin referral processes as necessary
• Maintain appropriate follow-up with individuals and perform warm handoffs to providers once services are established
• Work alongside residential staff to seek pathways to permanent housing options.
• Participate in ongoing case reviews and staff meetings, including meetings with stakeholders across the behavioral health and criminal justice systems.
• Collaborate with various community entities, including psychiatric facilities, substance use facilities, medical centers, law enforcement, public defenders, court systems, district attorneys, social services, parole and probation, and other federal, state and county entities as necessary.
• Possess ability to navigate multiple online platforms and take detailed notes on daily encounters (platforms include but are not limited to Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Coordinated Entry (CE), Cerner, and JotForm.
• Maintain a safe environment for all clients and staff.
• Maintain effective communication with other staff members and supervisors. · Preserve human dignity and confidentiality of all clients and act in the best interest of those served through the Agency's programs and services.

ASCEND Mental Wellness provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.