Homeless Outreach Worker - CTA

DEPARTMENT FUNCTION

The Thresholds Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) was established in 1989 to provide assertive outreach, linkage to primary and psychiatric care, and resource referral to persons experiencing homelessness with serious mental illnesses. The program employs the skills of licensed clinical social workers on the streets, in shelters, and any other location where people who are homeless may be found. We are Chicago's only citywide mental health homeless outreach program, and our primary goal is simple: to get people living with mental illnesses off the street and help them recover and regain their lives. We believe it is not enough to simply be available to the people who need our services - we need to bring our services to them. To learn more about what our Homeless Outreach Program is doing for Chicago, check out this link!

JOB SUMMARY

The Street Outreach & Engagement Specialist (CTA) will work collaboratively on a team to outreach and engage unhoused individuals on CTA platforms and surrounding areas who experience serious mental illness in order to assess and provide linkage services to housing, benefits, treatment, advocacy, and other identified needs. Additionally, the Street Outreach & Engagement Specialist will work to develop and implement a member-driven service plan in collaboration with member and outreach team in order to meet identified goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides street outreach, case management, job support, crisis intervention, and psycho-social rehabilitation services in the community

• Assesses the need for service, investigates current and available resources, and makes recommendations for treatment.

• Works with members to identify goals and develop service plans. Supports and promotes member self-advocacy.

• Supports members in efforts to connect with other providers and services, such as Social Security, medical providers, the Chicago Housing Authority, etc.

• Monitors self-administration of medication.

• Maintains timely and accurate documentation.

• May be required to provide transportation for members of the program using a Thresholds provided vehicle or a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Utilize a member-centered approach that requires strong engagement techniques, empathy, and patience

• Must utilize trauma-informed care and harm reduction approaches

• Ability to work with diverse populations in various settings

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively on a team

• Ability to provide strong advocacy skills and willingness to be flexible

• Ability to utilize culturally competent engagement techniques

REQUIREMENTS

• Willing to work Monday-Friday, 4:00pm-12:30am

• Must be at least 21 years of age

• Bachelor's degree preferred

• Previous outreach experience (preferred)

• Lived experience (preferred)

• Valid driver's license required

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive Pay - $23.00 - $24.04/hour / $47,840 - $50,000/annually

• Generous Paid Time Office Policy (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days)

• 4 Medical Insurance Plans

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 403(b) with 3% employer match

• Mileage Reimbursement

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Supervision for Clinical Licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)