2 Positions Needed - Outreach Van Relief Counselor, Overnight

SCHEDULE: On call as needed, 8:30 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

Pays $22.41 per hour

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

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Outreach Van Relief Counselor will provide crisis intervention and fundamental services (food and blankets) to the unsheltered homeless population in Boston as part of a three (3) person mobile street outreach team for the Pine Street Inn

REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

REQUIRED:

• High School diploma or GED
• A valid Mass driver’s license with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience and an 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 and communication 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

• Must be able to lift 50 to 100 lbs. (assisting in physically lifting containers and guests)
• Requires the ability to operate a cellular phone and computer
• Requires frequent standing, sitting, stretching, bending, and lifting for long periods of time
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions for long periods of time
• Must be able to work with people actively abusing substances

MENTAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

REQUIRED:

• Must be able to communicate effectively

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
• 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
• Must be able 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 restocking Outreach 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.