COMMUNITY INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

About the role

Under supervision, the class works primarily in the field canvassing communities providing crisis intervention and social services support to the unsheltered population, those experiencing mental health crisis, and/or substance use overdose, and performs related duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Travels by vehicle or on foot to encampment sites and locations throughout Chicago where the unsheltered population resides and proactively initiates non-judgmental conversations to create and maintain relationships and provide a consistent presence
• Responds to non-emergency calls of individuals experiencing mental health and social wellbeing crisis
• Engages individuals in need of services and consistently works to meet those needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services
• Provides crisis counseling to vulnerable populations who have unmet mental health and social needs
• Provides in person and telephonic case coordinating and case management functions for clients experiencing substance use overdose and/or those experiencing a mental health crisis
• Coordinates with patients, families, and members of the field team to assist in determining levels of client services and needs
• Conducts needs assessments (e.g., intakes, coordinated entry system assessments, outpatient care and services), obtains pertinent information and establishes short and long-term case management goals for clients
• Stays abreast of eligibility requirements and guidelines for other social service programs and community partners
• Assists individuals in applying for federal and state benefits (e.g., Medicaid, food security applications, and Social Security disability)
• Updates case management system with client information by using designated systems (i.e., HMIS, ECM, Redcap)
• Refers and advocates for clients to delegate agencies, shelters and other social service providers for continued and ongoing social service needs (e.g., housing, medical, mental health services)
• Conducts follow up to ensure clients receive appropriate needed assistance
• Assists in the placement of individuals affected by emergency housing situations (e.g., fires, vacates, evictions, etc.) by developing relocation plans and/or arranging shelter or nursing home placement and transportation
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with staff at key City departments, health care professionals, homeless/housing service providers