Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) Homeless Outreach and Engagement Team

Population Served: Serve adult clients, age 18 and older, that are diagnosed with a severe mental illness, substance use disorder, or co-occurring disorder and also experiencing homelessness.

Outreach and Engagement - The Outreach and Engagement Coordinator will focus on engaging with individuals, educating individuals on services and resources that Family and Children Services provide, and connection to the providers involved in programs. The Outreach and Engagement Coordinator does not have a dedicated caseload but will have a fluid client list to outreach and engage in services.

• Outreach admitted clients that have not recently engaged in services.
• Outreach targeted individuals who have been referred but not yet admitted or connected to services.
• Hand out basic supplies and contact information for initial contact for treatment in the community.
• May be required to work evening hours, weekends, and/or holidays.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Office and field-based services with regular transportation of clients with case managers using agency or personal vehicles

• Provide a variety of services for identified needs including but not limited to:

• Teach and mentor the value of every individual's recovery experience individually and in a group setting

• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies

• Proactively engage clients in services

• Possess communication skills to teach new concepts and ideas to others

• Assist in setting up and sustaining self-help (mutual support) groups

• Support clients in using a WRAP - Wellness Recovery Action Plan or Psychiatric Advanced Directive

• Assist in building social skills in the community that will enhance quality of life

• Support the development of natural support systems

• Possess knowledge about various mental health settings and community resources (i.e. local shelter, housing, food pantry, vocational resources, and other homeless resources)

• Provide services in-person or via telehealth platforms

• Services range in intensity from monthly contact to weekly/daily contact

• Embed outreach and other services in alternate locations and with community providers to reduce barriers to access

• Work with clients with active mental health symptoms and within their treatment preferences

• Meet clients where they are in the community, including homeless shelters, private homes, or outdoors, promoting confidentiality in all settings

• Demonstrate comfort and flexibility while working with clients in difficult life circumstances, which may include individuals living in substandard conditions

• Gather and complete all CCBHC data metrics for homeless population served

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum one-year participation in local or national consumer advocacy or knowledge in the area of mental health and/or substance abuse recovery. Must possess a driver's license and use of personal automobile for travel. May transport clients in personal automobile.
• Preference may be given to applicants who are current or former consumers of mental health and/or substance use services.
• ODMHSAS Case Manager I Certification, completed within 60 days of eligibility.
• PRSS Certification Required

SAFETY SENSITIVE JOB CLASSIFICATION:

This job is classified as a "safety-sensitive" position as defined by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act. Due to the "safety-sensitive" classification, an employee in this position would be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana per the Family & Children's Services Drug Free Workplace Policy, including possible revocation of a job offer or dismissal from employment.