Outreach Advocate - First Step Street Outreach

Job Summary: The Outreach Advocate provides on-street relationship-building and information and referral services for men and women experiencing homelessness, substance abuse problems, and/or are at risk for HIV in the catchment area of Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont.  Outreach Advocates collaborate with external agencies including other social service programs, area hospitals, police departments, and the community-at-large to develop effective responses to substance abuse problems, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness.  Individuals holding this position are the “face of the agency” in the community and must be able to represent CASPAR in an appropriate and professional manner to the community-at-large.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients in the catchment area.
• Meet clients “where they are at” both geographically (e.g., on a park-bench, in a train station, on the street, etc.) and personally (e.g., intoxicated or sober).
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with other service providers, local businesses, and concerned citizens in at least the catchment area.
• Thorough awareness of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and homeless resources (e.g., shelter and housing services, drop-in centers, clinics, detox and other health care programs, prevention programs, etc.).
• Connect clients with desired programs through direct referrals (e.g., calling a detox, confirming a bed, and transporting client to the detox) and indirect referrals (e.g., pass along information about particular programs).
• Brief substance abuse counseling and all necessary case management activities.
• Completing all required paperwork (e.g., daily logs, intake forms), HMIS data entry, reporting, and PEMS.
• Proper care of CASPAR property (e.g., vehicles, computers, phones).
• Other outreach and prevention program duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent certification
• Minimum two years of direct care experience working with a homeless, mentally ill, and/or actively addicted population.
• Understanding of addiction and mental illness.
• Minimum two years of continuous sobriety if recovering.
• Excellent verbal communication skills (e.g., talk with and listen to people in a nonjudgmental way, etc.).
• Demonstrated written communication skills (e.g., clear penmanship, basic correspondence, reports, etc.).
• Belief in and passion for CASPAR’s mission and empathy for its client population.
• Ability to work constructively with a great variety of people and personalities (e.g., civic leaders, business owners, law enforcement, the general public, etc.).
• Demonstrated computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel).
• Ability to work respectfully and empathically with individuals in crisis.
• Ability to respond safely and quickly to emergency situations.
• Ability to stand for long hours, stretch, bend, lift and assist clients to safer and more appropriate locations.
• Knowledge of HIV Prevention for YMSM of color and YTG persons of color.
• Ability to walk for long periods of time.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License with at least two years driving experience, proof of an excellent driving record, and demonstrated ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• CPR and First Aid, Mental Health First Aid preferred.