Position: Mental Health Outreach Social Worker
Job #: 111604
Status: Full time
Exemption Status: Non-exempt
Supervisor(s): Community Health Services Manager

Agency Background:
Abode Services is a community based organization founded in 1988. Services include support services to families as well as adults without children. The mission of Abode Services is to end homelessness by assisting low-income un-housed people to secure stable, supportive housing and to be advocates for the removal of the causes of homelessness. The agency provides services throughout Alameda County and Santa Clara County; this position will provide services in southern Alameda County.

Program Information:
The HOPE Project operates a 37 foot, state-of-the-art, mobile health clinic that takes its services to the streets; going directly to the people we serve and offering medical, mental health, substance recovery, and social services. The HOPE Project also provides street outreach to individuals living in Mid, Southern and Eastern Alameda County. Once engaged, Housing Navigators on the team work more intensely with a small group of people to help them obtain the resources necessary to obtain stable housing.

Job Purpose Summary:
This is an exciting job which offers many different professional experiences including:
Providing street outreach and linkage services to up to 150 homeless individuals in the tri-valley area.
Working with the Nurse Practitioner to provide medical case management to those receiving medical services through our street medicine program.
Fostering collaborative working relationship with the Police Department, Sheriff’s Dept, Public Defender’s Office, District Attorney’s office, Alameda County Courts, Neighborhood Preservation, faith communities, and other community members providing services to the homeless in mid county.

This position fulfills requirements for students who are receiving the Prop. 63 stipend.
Clinical supervision available for those working towards licensure.

Position Location: Offices in Livermore, position serving broader Tri-Valley area with travel throughout Alameda County as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters in Social Work or Psychology or related field from an accredited university. Registration with the BBS preferred.
Must possess 1 year of field experience working with people with serious mental illness, individuals with a dual diagnosis and/or the homeless population.
Experience with street outreach a plus.
Must have a working knowledge of Psychiatric Disorders as well as knowledge and ability to implement the following evidence-based models: Harm Reduction, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Strength-based Case Management and Motivational Interviewing.
Ability to build supportive and respectful working relationships with individuals diagnosed with a mental illness that instills hope and promotes self-determination. Sensitivity to and understanding of the special needs of the homeless.
Proven ability to work independently and as an effective and collaborative member of a team.
Excellent verbal skills. Strong organizational and time management skills.
Strong writing skills are a MUST.
Possess an understanding of and practice cultural sensitivity through open dialogue and self-exploration with diverse groups, while providing direct services.
Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations, with de-escalation techniques.
Reliable transportation and proof of a valid and current California Driver’s License and current insurance along with a clean DMV record required.
Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate the opening of the warming center on cold and wet nights

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide outreach and engagement and linkage to resources to 100-150 homeless adults in the spirit of “doing whatever it takes.
Work with Nurse Practitioner to provide medical social work to those receiving services through the Street Medicine team.
Provide initial intakes and complete assessments.
Provide linkage to Homestretch, housing documents (ID, SS card, etc), primary healthcare, food, shelter, services for mental health, housing, substance recovery, physical health care, benefits, employment, advocacy, etc.
Gather and assemble related information, and maintaining appropriate records and files.
Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to explore participants’ motivation towards behavioral change.
Provide direct crisis counseling and problem identification.
Foster collaborative working relationship with the Police Department, Public Defender’s Office, District Attorney’s office, Alameda County Courts, Neighborhood Preservation, faith communities, and other community members providing services to the homeless in mid county.
Attend and participate in weekly case management meetings.
During the months of November to April, be willing to work up to 1-2 nights per work (until 8 pm) at least 1-2 times per month to support winter shelter.
Assist Community Health Services Manager as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free workplace.