Outreach Advocate - Per Diem - First Step Street Outreach at Bay Cove Human Services, Inc. in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Bay Cove Human Services' mission is to partner with people to overcome challenges and realize personal potential. Bay Cove pursues this mission by providing individualized and compassionate services to people facing the challenges associated with developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness at more than 175 program sites throughout Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts.


Bay Cove Human Services is committed to ensuring the representation and participation of candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We encourage all qualified individuals, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, to apply.


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.


Schedule: 2pm - 12pm


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-incenters, 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), reporting.

• 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.).

• 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.