This position works 4 days a week, 10 hours per day; however, it is not an alternative workweek schedule as defined by California Labor Code. In this position, employees are paid 8 hours of regular pay and 2 hours of overtime each week, meaning the position is .80 FTE (full-time equivalent) rather than 1.0 FTE. Holiday pay is based on FTE, so employees are paid 6.40 hours rather than 8.00 hours for each holiday.
The Engagement Specialist, inRESPONSE is responsible for performing outreach to people experiencing homelessness as a member of a collaborative city-based mobile mental health crisis team. The Engagement Specialist, inRESPONSE reaches out to individuals and families in crisis that are dispatched through the Santa Rosa Police Department’s 911 call center. The Engagement Specialist, inRESPONSE connects with both housed community members and unsheltered participants who are not being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems.
The Engagement Specialist, inRESPONSE, using available services and resources, engages individuals experiencing homelessness as a first step in accepting care for immediate health and safety needs. The Engagement Specialist, inRESPONSE seeks to enable individuals and families to accept placement and opportunities to stabilize their lives by utilizing diversion practices, crisis response and intervention, shelter referrals, interim housing placement, and linking individuals to appropriate continued services.
Essential Functions
- Provide engagement services as a member of the inRESPONSE Team and create client service engagement opportunities for homeless individuals in crisis situations.
- Follow Engagement, Assessment, and Referrals (EAR) procedure as defined in Catholic Charities’ Outreach Services (OS) Policy and Procedures.
- Facilitate and maintain community relationships to create referral pathways for program participants into Catholic Charities’ programs. Maintains a network of external partners and professional relationships and communicates effectively with all internal and external partners using shared tools provided by the agency.
- Assist with screening of potential program participants for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing programs.
- Provide program materials and referral training sessions to community partners regarding shelter services, including outreach to motels, churches, and downtown merchants.
- Provide support and guidance to participants as they transition from street to shelter.
- Follow safety protocols for community street outreach.
- Perform job functions in line with the policies and procedures guiding the work of this position, the program, and the agency.
- Research and implement best practices in street outreach and assist participants in acquiring resources for acquiring housing.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive outreach/working relationship with all stakeholders, elected officials and staff, commercial and private community activists, and clients.
- Divert or link individuals and families with the appropriate services, including Coordinated Entry, diversion, crisis response and intervention, shelter referrals, temporary housing, permanent housing, and Rapid Re-Housing.
- Provide thorough and complete documentation of all required activities and engagements, per contract requirements, including Problem Intervention Response Plan (PIRP) case notes, and documentation of reasonable accommodation requests.
- Serve on an agency or community service committees representing the program or the agency.
- Conduct outreach worker related duties independently and exercise sound professional and service intervention judgement, requiring minimal documentation errors corrective actions.
- Support the Mission, Vision, and Values of Catholic Charities in the performance of all essential job functions and responsibilities.
Note: Catholic Charities considers this position to be a mandated reporter of child abuse and elder abuse.
Other Responsibilities
- Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Agency Culture
It is essential that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:
? A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
? A commitment to excellence in everything we do.
? A commitment to performance and quality improvement.
? A commitment to outcomes and measured results.
? A commitment to innovation and to what is possible.
Education, Experience, and Skills Required
- High School Diploma, one or two years of experience working as an Outreach Worker II or equivalent work experience in mental health crisis intervention and response required; associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a social service or related field preferred.
- Ability to collaborate with law enforcement, EMS, and crisis stabilization mental health clinicians in a crisis setting.
- Ability to operate and understand basic radio codes under SRPD’s dispatch protocols.
- Understanding of causes of homelessness, experience working within social services, knowledge of Housing First, street outreach methods, and relevant community resources.
- Completion of training and/or certification to be able to provide specialized services and increased performance as an outreach worker.
- Must become certified in CPR and First Aid within six months of transfer to this position or hire date.
- Must become certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) within six months of transfer to this position or hire date.
- Ability to work under pressure with a positive, solution-oriented approach. Experience in crisis intervention and problem solving with ability to diffuse an intense situation.
- Ability to learn and apply various engagement techniques to a variety of situations.
- Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure positive, constructive environment within the program and throughout the agency.
- Computer literacy required, including experience with Office 365 and Excel.
- Strong written and verbal communication; organizational, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of Catholic Charities and its clients.
- Valid driver license and at least state required minimum of automobile insurance, clear DMV driving record and ability to provide own transportation. Must be willing and able to travel between agency sites.
- Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies, prior to start of employment.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.
Job Analysis/Job Description Physical Requirements
Never (N)
Occasionally (O) = Up to 3 Hours per Day
Frequently (F) = Up to 6 Hours per Day
Constantly (C) = Up to 8 Hours per Day
Physical Activities
Frequency
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
C
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.
C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
C
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
C
Communicating with others to exchange information.
C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
F
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
F
Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
C
Environmental Conditions
Frequency
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
F
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
O
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
N
Physical Demands
Frequency
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
F
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
F
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
O
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
N
Equal opportunity employer
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, seeking the best and brightest. Our organization does not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance. We support, educate, create opportunities for, and ensure the wellbeing of our staff for the betterment of those most in need.
CCDSR participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.
