Street Outreach Specialist

About the Organization

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff.

About the Role

The Street Outreach Specialist is responsible for all aspects of street outreach and aftercare services for youth ages 12-21 who are current, prospective, or past residents in the Zepf Runaway Youth Shelter, Safety Net, and/or youth identifying as living on the street and in need of education or resources. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of cultural and linguistic competencies around working with people with diverse beliefs, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The Street Outreach Specialist works primarily in the community and must maintain a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide linkage/referral to mental health, medical, dental, or other services to all youth associated with the Street Outreach Program.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation to youth/families when indicated.
• Provide street-based education and outreach, as well as prevention services.
• Provide community youth with needed survival aids, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and nourishment.
• Provide 24/7 access to Safety Net Runaway & Homeless Shelter.
• Provide follow-up support.
• Develop a viable social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat with daily oversight and response.
• Document, prepare, and disseminate required reports, as assigned, including reporting required by funding and oversight bodies.
• Conduct outreach to area providers to coordinate care and ensure best practice.
• Complete required documentation in accordance with timelines and standards required by the agency, regulatory bodies, and payers.
• Assist in the development of Street Outreach and Drop-In Center calendars of events and lead those activities.
• Demonstrate leadership skills that lead to acceptable/expected levels of productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of team members in providing excellent services and care to clients.
• Carry out policies and procedures of the agency; participate in community work, staff development, agency-wide projects, and serve on agency committees/teams.
• Fulfill training requirements including CPR, CPI, new hire, Sanctuary, and annual boosters, in addition to any required trainings assigned during employment.
• Safely drive in all weather conditions in support of client needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Starting educational requirement is high school diploma or equivalent; more education and relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with residential/homeless services required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Social media savvy required.
• Proficiency with the Agency’s electronic health record.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must hold and maintain an Ohio Driver’s License with a good driving record.
• Must possess excellent problem/conflict resolution skills and the ability to relate to and communicate with a broad socio-economic cross-section of individuals.
• Those eligible to drive company vehicles must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible for coverage as defined by the agency’s commercial insurance carrier.
• Those who drive personal vehicles in the course of business must provide proof of insurance.

Skills

• Professional approach to all functions and relationships with staff, clients, other agencies, and the public.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate notes.
• Ability to comply with all confidentiality laws and ethical standards.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing programming and patient needs while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to relate well with all levels of staff and the public.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the agency mission, vision, goals, and philosophy as well as the policies and procedures.
• Strive for high client satisfaction by providing leadership and/or assistance to coworkers and clients through the integrated care process.
• Demonstrate consistent professionalism and teamwork.
• Abide by the agency and/or professional code of ethics.
• Strive to improve own and agency operations.
• Incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) techniques into daily work activities.
• Participate in CQI process teams and/or support CQI initiatives.