2 Positions for Outreach Van Counselor, Overnight Needed

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Friday - Tuesday, 8:30 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:30 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

This position carries a retention bonus of $5000.00, payable in equal instalments $1000 at 30 days, $1000 at 6 months and $3000 at one year.

Pays $22.41 per hour DOE

This position carries a retention bonus of $1500.00, payable in equal instalments at 3 months, 6 months and at one year.

LOCATION: 444 Harrison Ave, Boston MA, (Driving is an exceptional part of this position)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Outreach Van Counselor will provide crisis intervention and fundamental services (food and blankets) to the unsheltered homeless population in Boston as part of a three person mobile street outreach team for the Pine Street Inn

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Valid Mass Driver’s License with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience, and excellent driving record

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

• Minimum of one (1) year prior experience as a street outreach worker, working with the homeless, and dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental illness
• Strong writing, reading, communication and computer skills
• Prior training/knowledge of crisis intervention

PREFERRED:

• Previous experience working with people with mental illness, training in substance abuse, HIV or AIDS, and a human services background

PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van

• Ability to lift 50 to 100 lbs. (assisting in physically lifting containers and guests)
• Ability to operate a cellular phone and computer
• Frequent standing, sitting, stretching, bending, and lifting for long periods of time
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions for long periods of time

MENTAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Ability to work with people actively abusing substances and/or treated and untreated mental illness
• Ability to communicate effectively written or verbally

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Providing food, clothing and blankets as available
• Assume responsibility for the safe operation of the program vehicle, by driving safely and within the driving laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Help the unsheltered homeless become aware of shelter alternatives and other available services through crisis intervention and counseling
• Increase access to these services by providing transportation when appropriate
• Act as a resource to police, the public, and other agencies and shelters in providing outreach services
• Possess the ability to identify and assess the potentially violent behavior, crisis situations and violent situations by responding in a safe and timely manner while setting clear limits and making appropriate decisions
• Record basic data from each contact in the daily log and on the program statistic sheets
• Work independently and closely with the other members of outreach van team (including the outreach van supervisor) on coordinating referral/follow-up and documentation every week
• Responsible for documenting follow-up files and charts
• Attend supervision meetings once a week and/or as needed and scheduled by the outreach van supervisor. Attend weekly staff meetings
• Attend all PSI required trainings and others trainings that involve the program/guests needs
• Maintain a close working relationship with other departments at the Inn
• Provide services to a diverse population of all ages
• Ability to resolve any conflicts or issues with co-workers in a professional manner before involving the supervisor
• Participate in relevant meetings, training’s sessions, and programs
• Responsible for being in charge of the O-Van program on a nightly/rotating basis (8:30PM-5:00AM) when the supervisor is not available
• Responsible for being in charge of restocking O-Van supplies
• Perform other additional assignments or projects as requested/directed by supervisor

INTERNAL CANDIDATES, IF INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FOR PROMOTION/TRANSFER AND SUBMIT IT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF POSTING.

Pine Street Inn is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.