Outreach Liaison

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston is seeking a Liaison for the Coordinated Response Team to provide peer support, documentation, and recovery navigation for individuals with behavioral health challenges and substance use disorder. The role requires experience in outreach, case management, and collaboration with public safety and health partners.

The position involves flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and a Massachusetts driver's license is preferred. Boston residency is required.

Qualifications

• A.D. or BA/BS is required, or equivalent experience may be a substitute.
• Two to three (2-3) years of experience in the health care, public health, or social service field.
• Two (2) years in community outreach/case management activities. Knowledge or experience conducting street outreach is preferred.
• Knowledge in the area of substance use and previous experience working with unmotivated substance users.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups.
• PC and data management skills preferred.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills are required; must be self-directed.
• Strong oral communication skills. Strong written communication skills are preferred.
• A valid Massachusetts Driver's License with a safe driving record is preferred.
• Willingness to work on the street and in other unstructured environments.

Responsibilities

• Provides referral services to clients encountered during outreach and performs follow-up documentation of each interaction.
• Provides ongoing support and follow-up to support all pathways to recovery.
• Troubleshoots with clients on difficulties navigating pathways and removing barriers.
• Liaises and collaborates with public safety, public health, and sanitation teams to promote a safe and healthy environment.
• Practices a trauma-informed approach to treatment and wellness planning.
• Initiates and sustains trusting relationships with individuals and families.
• Provides appropriate recovery information, referrals, and linkages to help individuals improve recovery and reduce risk behaviors.
• Assists with the implementation of peer-driven interventions to reduce overdose.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public health knowledge

Trauma-informed approach

Bilingual preferred

Education

AD or BA/BS or equivalent experience

Job description

The mission of the Coordinated Response Team is to provide a coordinated and multidisciplinary response to support vulnerable populations experiencing untreated mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or homelessness. The CRT works to promote individual well-being, stability, and improved quality of life throughout the community.

Reporting to the Director who heads the Coordinated Response Team, the Liaison will provide peer support, documentation, treatment-centered recovery navigation and serve as a point of contact for people who are experiencing behavioral health challenges and substance use disorder in the city of Boston.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the criminal justice system and the ability to effectively co-respond alongside law enforcement and multidisciplinary partners and have a valid driver's license. The position is part of the Coordinated Response Team (CRT) and, as such, provides clear communication and coordination of activities conducted by all CRT member teams in critical areas. The hours for this position require flexibility and may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for. This position requires direct client/patient contact and, as a result of such direct contact, certain immunizations will be recommended and/or
required prior to commencement of employment duties.

• Provides referral services to clients encountered during outreach and performs follow-up documentation of each interaction.
• Provides ongoing support and follow-up to support all pathways to recovery.
• Troubleshoots with clients on difficulties navigating pathways and removing barriers.
• Liaises and collaborates with public safety, public health, and sanitation teams to promote a safe and healthy environment.
• Practices a trauma-informed approach to treatment and wellness planning.
• Initiates and sustains trusting relationships with individuals and families.
• Provides appropriate recovery information, referrals, and linkages to help individuals improve recovery and reduce risk behaviors.
• Assists with the implementation of peer-driven interventions to reduce overdose.
• Performs other duties as required.

• A.D. or BA/BS is required, or equivalent experience may be a substitute.
• Two to three (2-3) years of experience in the health care, public health, or social service field.
• Two (2) years in community outreach/case management activities. Knowledge or experience conducting street outreach is preferred.
• Knowledge in the area of substance use and previous experience working with unmotivated substance users.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups.
• PC and data management skills preferred.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills are required; must be self-directed.
• Strong oral communication skills. Strong written communication skills are preferred.
• Bilingual preferred, bicultural desirable.
• A valid Massachusetts Driver's License with a safe driving record is preferred.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Willingness to work on the street and in other unstructured environments.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and during weather (snow, heat, etc.) emergencies as required.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-4

Hours per week: 35