Outreach Integrated Care Specialist II - COMCARE

Department:  COMCARE

Pay:  $23.00 per hour | This position may be eligible for a sign on bonus of $2,500 after 60 days of employment if selected applicant meets all policy conditions. 

Work Schedule: Varied schedule Monday-Friday between 7:00am - 6:00pm 40 hours per week 

Locate, assess, identify and engage with people who are homeless and have a mental illness and/or co-occurring disorder with the goal of assisting them in accessing services related to mental health treatment, basic needs and housing resources in an effort increase permanent housing and supportive services for people with mental illness who’ve been chronically homeless.

Direct Outreach Activities

• Engage individuals living in homeless circumstances by canvassing at shelters, food programs, streets and places frequented by homeless (under bridges, parks, abandoned buildings, etc.) including after hours or early morning as scheduled to correspond with seasonal and individual needs.
• Using assertive outreach techniques, develop helping relationships with potential clients who are chronically homeless
• Assess potential COMCARE clients for homelessness and mental illness using established criteria.
• Provide assistance for potential Center City clients to get to initial appointments for intake, psychiatric and case management services via use of direct transportation, bus tokens, reminders, and other methods.
• Maintain open communication with primary homeless service providers
• Screen calls and walk-ins related to Outreach via Center City reception
• Provide transportation to support client attendance in medical appointments and other therapeutic goal related activities to include development of community resources, employment or education access, social or consumer-run activities and related supports

Referral and Linkage

• Refer individuals to appropriate homeless services and other community resources
• Complete internal COMCARE referral processes for adults with mental illness who are eligible for services
• Assist individuals without other supports to access community resources directly for the initial contact
• Assist clients with mental illness or other disabilities obtain additional services such as initial steps to accessing COMCARE’s children's program, CDDO, Independent Living Center and COMCARE affiliate agencies.
• Educate service providers and other agencies re appropriate referrals to COMCARE using Center City and PATH eligibility guidelines.
• Maintain communication and positive relationships with agencies involved in the referral and linkage process  
• Conduct public education regarding homelessness, mental illness, and resources (formally and informally)

Documentation

• Complete first contact sheet per PATH requirements
• Document unusual circumstances or specific interventions and consumer-related decisions in Outreach Notes For Record
• Complete Notes for Record, Precautions statements and authorizations for release of records as required and/or recommended.
• Complete referral documents for COMCARE and external agencies or resources
• Complete progress notes in accordance with CCBHC and COMCARE guidelines which meet requirements for medical necessity, goal-directed treatment and client response to treatment within prescribed timelines.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or be equivalently qualified by work experience or a combination of work experience in the human services field and education, with one year of experience substituting for one year of education. Per Sedgwick County Policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US Driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance. Must have access to a personal passenger vehicle to complete the driving duties of the position.. Meet the specifications as outlined in the CMHC/CCBHC licensing standards and pass KBI, DCF child abuse check, adult abuse registry, and motor vehicle screens. Must complete orientations provided by Sedgwick County and COMCARE.

It is the policy of Sedgwick County not to discriminate in its programs or services provided to the general public, including employment and all other activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other similarly protected status. Sedgwick County is committed to making the application, interview, and pre-employment testing process accessible to persons with disabilities. If you wish to volunteer information regarding any special assistance you may need, please notify Human Resources by phone at (316) 660-7050, TDD (Kansas Relay at 711 or 800-766-3777). Do not use this phone number for employment questions. This number is provided only for those requiring ADA assistance. You will be contacted should the department feel that you are a qualified candidate.