Homeless Outreach Team Human Services Coordinator
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States
Job Description
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Homeless Outreach Team is seeking a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC) to provide outreach and engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges. The successful candidate will visit shelters, streets, and drop‑in shelters to assist individuals in engaging with services, treatment, and community mental health resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide outreach to individuals in the community in need of crisis intervention services and/or arrange emergency crisis services.
Identify and connect individuals to community‑based services such as shelters and other resources, especially those who choose not to engage in services.
Conduct intakes, assess for needed services, and make referrals to appropriate community services.
Provide detailed and thorough documentation after each client interaction, covering visits, meetings, and services received.
Assist clients with completing the Department of Mental Health application.
Consult regularly with community providers, including shelter staff, to obtain information supporting the department application.
Collaborate with clients and service providers to coordinate service delivery, assess treatment plans, and identify additional needs.
Advocate on behalf of clients for appropriate services.
Participate as a member of the Homeless Outreach Team, attending case conferences and staff meetings.
Complete referrals for housing, including supported and independent housing.
Act as a liaison between community shelters and the Department of Mental Health.
Required Qualifications
Knowledge of mental illness types, causes, and symptoms.
Understanding of crisis intervention strategies and techniques.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff and community providers.
Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds, including religion, disability, and gender identity.
Ability to maintain accurate and compliant documentation.
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to supervise, support, and motivate team members.
Skilled at managing tasks in fast‑paced environments.
Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing Homeless Outreach Team activities.
Strong information‑gathering skills through observation, interviewing, and record review.
Ability to engage individuals with untreated mental illness in unstructured settings.
Proficiency in computer applications and standard office equipment.
Knowledge of community resources and service systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelters, housing programs, and support services.
Familiarity with the Department of Mental Health system and available resources.
Understanding of Department of Mental Health eligibility criteria, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of Department of Mental Health requirements, including mandated incident reporting protocols.
Awareness of local crisis response teams and psychiatric hospital systems.
Ability to engage and build rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness.
DMH Mission Statement
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work, and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery, sets policy, promotes self‑determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Homeless Outreach Team is seeking a Human Services Coordinator I (HSC) to provide outreach and engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges. The successful candidate will visit shelters, streets, and drop‑in shelters to assist individuals in engaging with services, treatment, and community mental health resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide outreach to individuals in the community in need of crisis intervention services and/or arrange emergency crisis services.
Identify and connect individuals to community‑based services such as shelters and other resources, especially those who choose not to engage in services.
Conduct intakes, assess for needed services, and make referrals to appropriate community services.
Provide detailed and thorough documentation after each client interaction, covering visits, meetings, and services received.
Assist clients with completing the Department of Mental Health application.
Consult regularly with community providers, including shelter staff, to obtain information supporting the department application.
Collaborate with clients and service providers to coordinate service delivery, assess treatment plans, and identify additional needs.
Advocate on behalf of clients for appropriate services.
Participate as a member of the Homeless Outreach Team, attending case conferences and staff meetings.
Complete referrals for housing, including supported and independent housing.
Act as a liaison between community shelters and the Department of Mental Health.
Required Qualifications
Knowledge of mental illness types, causes, and symptoms.
Understanding of crisis intervention strategies and techniques.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff and community providers.
Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds, including religion, disability, and gender identity.
Ability to maintain accurate and compliant documentation.
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to supervise, support, and motivate team members.
Skilled at managing tasks in fast‑paced environments.
Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing Homeless Outreach Team activities.
Strong information‑gathering skills through observation, interviewing, and record review.
Ability to engage individuals with untreated mental illness in unstructured settings.
Proficiency in computer applications and standard office equipment.
Knowledge of community resources and service systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of community resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelters, housing programs, and support services.
Familiarity with the Department of Mental Health system and available resources.
Understanding of Department of Mental Health eligibility criteria, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of Department of Mental Health requirements, including mandated incident reporting protocols.
Awareness of local crisis response teams and psychiatric hospital systems.
Ability to engage and build rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness.
DMH Mission Statement
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work, and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery, sets policy, promotes self‑determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr