Outreach Case Manager

New Beginnings, Inc.; Lewiston (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

New Beginnings, Inc. seeks an Outreach Case Manager to provide crisis intervention and support services for homeless youth in Lewiston, Maine. This role involves establishing supportive relationships and ensuring youth access critical resources.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree, crisis intervention skills, and a valid driver’s license. Responsibilities include case management, street outreach, and staffing a Drop-In Center. Join us to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable adolescents.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience working with homeless/high-risk youth; 2 years in non-residential settings preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and literacy skills.
• Understanding of public assistance programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention and case management for homeless youth.
• Assist youth in accessing mental health and social services.
• Staff the Drop-In Center and support activities for youth.
• Conduct street outreach to youth in Lewiston and Auburn.

Skills

Crisis intervention skills

Knowledge of community resources

Basic counseling skills

Ability to teach living skills

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Position Title: Outreach Case Manager

Program: Street Outreach Program

Reports To: Street Outreach Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Provides crisis intervention, case management, information and referral, advocacy, and support services for adolescents who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless. Performs street outreach services to locate youth who are disconnected from traditional services. Staffs a Drop-In Center for street youth and designs and conducts activities in the center in conjunction with youth. Maintains an atmosphere of trust, respect, and equality with youth in all service provision.

Essential Job Functions

1. Youth Work
   • Establish supportive relationships with homeless/street youth which will enable them to seek out and utilize services which they need.
   • Become knowledgeable regarding state and local income maintenance and emergency assistance programs which are available to adolescents.
   • Assist youth with obtaining services from mental health programs, social service agencies, housing, and educational services.
   • Provide HIV/pregnancy risk reduction information and prevention materials to homeless youth.
   • Teach independent living skills through instruction and experience.
   • Develop and maintain cooperative relations with private and public housing providers in the area who can offer affordable housing to homeless adolescents.
   • Cooperate with staff of other New Beginnings programs and other agencies providing services to homeless adolescents in the Lewiston/Auburn area.
2. Case Management
   • Complete intakes, screening, and needs assessments for homeless youth referred to the program, including self-referrals.
   • Assess youth’s needs and develop an individual service plan with assigned clients.
   • Provide short-term counseling, advocacy, and assistance with the development of an individual plan for youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
   • Assist youth on the caseload with basic daily living needs, referrals to housing and other services, and provide practical assistance (transportation, shopping, etc.) as needed.
   • Maintain current resource information on services available to youth.
   • Participate in advocacy efforts on behalf of homeless youth.
   • Maintain accurate and timely case records on each assigned client.
3. Drop-In Center
   • Assist in staffing the Drop-In Center during its regularly scheduled hours and maintaining a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all. Orient new youth to the center and its services.
   • Develop and assist in facilitating group support sessions and other activities with youth staff and clients.
   • Maintain daily logs in the Drop-In Center.
   • Assist with routine upkeep of the center, including shopping, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining needed supplies.
4. Street Outreach
   • Provide street outreach (on foot and in our van) in areas of Lewiston and Auburn where street youth congregate and establish a consistent presence for their access to services.
   • Record number of contacts and amount of materials distributed during Street Outreach.
5. Other
   • Complete any other reports or information, as assigned.
   • May represent New Beginnings Outreach Program at community events, as assigned.
   • Other duties as may be assigned by the Department Director or Program Coordinator.

Specifications and Qualifications

Education and Training

Bachelor’s degree in a related field. A minimum of a year’s experience working with homeless/high risk youth; two years’ experience working with these youth in non-residential settings is highly preferred. Must qualify for Section 13 TCM.

Specialized Skills

Valid driver’s license and driving record which meets insurance requirements, without exception, and reliable transportation; basic counseling and crisis intervention skills; knowledge of community resources and understanding of public assistance programs; ability to teach living skills experientially; background in substance abuse, mental health, and/or sexual abuse fields.

Cognitive Requirements

Good problem-solving skills; literacy and writing skills on at least a college graduate level.

Physical Requirements

Strength and dexterity to do basic household chores and cooking; ability to participate in street outreach activities (walking several miles at a time); ability to climb stairs.

Work Environment

Much time spent in community environment. Some time spent in the Drop-In Center.