SUD Outreach Worker

Description

About Us:  For 35 years, Community Support Services has been making a difference in the lives of countless individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Our nearly 300 employees are real-life champions committed to quality treatment, collaborative care, and effective outcomes. Located in downtown Akron, Ohio, we serve as a leader in behavioral health care for the entire Summit County area.

The Opportunity: We are seeking to hire a SUD Outreach Worker to join our Homeless Outreach Team. This individual does aggressive case finding of persons who are homeless, particularly those that have a drug or alcohol related diagnosis.  They will engage individuals who are homeless in any applicable services and assist with accessing housing and entitlements.  The SUD Outreach Worker will make initial contact with the persons to be served in non-traditional settings such as meal sites, shelters, the street, abandoned buildings, etc.

***Note: The wage range for this position includes a $3/hour hazard pay differential through at least June 30, 2024***

What You’ll Do:

• Continuously and independently provide case-finding through personal networking with street dwellers, shelters, meal sites, detox, community SUD/AoD providers, and other places where homeless people gather.
• Assess persons to determine homeless status, SUD/AoD diagnosis, and appropriateness for PATH grant. If appropriate, develop rapport, providing the person in accessing necessities. If not appropriate for PATH grant, assist person in accessing appropriate services through referrals to community resources.
• Work closely with other social services agencies that provide services to those who are homeless by accepting referrals from them and making referrals to them. Provide consultation/education regarding behavior management and any other issues pertaining to long term homelessness.
• Participate in regular team meetings with members from other disciplines.
• Request and/or schedule necessary evaluations and assessments in order to identify strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences of persons served.
• Schedule and participate with the person served in the development of a treatment plan.  Write up the plan and distribute to necessary participants for approval and sign-off.  Specialist will complete a new treatment plan for each phase of treatment. 
• Monitor and coordinate the delivery of services outlined in the treatment plan using the Critical Time Intervention modality with frequency of visits corresponding to client’s phase in the program.
• Provide, coordinate, and/or assist in crisis intervention and stabilization services during regularly scheduled working hours and to be available for “after hours” emergencies in accordance with established agency Emergency Services on-call procedures and grant requirements.
• Assist in the development of formal and informal community support activities on behalf of the persons the agency serves.
• This position is full-time (40 hours a week) working normal business hours.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field required.
• Prior experience in working with persons who have addiction issues, or who are homeless required. 
• LSW preferred.
• A car and a valid Ohio driver’s license and insurability through the Agency’s insurance carrier required.
• A deeply held belief in CSS’s recovery-centered mission.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse challenged.
• Ability to utilize non-conventional resources and methods to deliver service for the persons being served.
• Excellent organizational, attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality, following rules of HIPAA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.
• Skill in managing time and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work non-judgmentally with individuals whose behavior and belief systems are incongruent with that of society and/or your personal beliefs.
• Perseverance in goals with individuals who may not improve or may only improve slowly.

What We Offer:

• Pay for this position starts at $22-$30/hour
• Working within in a mission-driven, highly engaged environment
• A supportive, professional workplace with excellent resources
• Engaging, autonomous atmosphere
• Professional Development Assistance and Education Assistance Program
• Program-Site Eligibility for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• 401(k) with 5% employer contribution
• 10 paid holidays and 15 days of PTO annually
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Subsidized membership to local YMCA branches
• Life insurance and short- and long-term disability

This position operates within a relaxed, professional environment with excellent resources. You'll be offered a class leading set of objectives (health, wellness, retirement) and intrinsic (engaging atmosphere, autonomy) benefits.  Competitive compensation and generous time off.  

Company's website: www.cssbh.org 

Company's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/103601489691547/

Community Support Services is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer: EEO/M/F/Vet/Disability, with an active interest in Diversity and Inclusion.