Outreach Specialist

The Institute for Human Services (IHS) is Hawaii's most comprehensive human services agency dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness. For over 45 years, we've been at the forefront of creating tailored solutions for those in crisis, offering a continuum of care that includes emergency shelters, housing programs, health services, employment assistance, and outreach.

The Outreach Specialist provides outreach and interim case management for the homeless persons with serious mental health illness. This position will effectively engage homeless consumers and initiate outreach efforts to engage consumers into receiving formal mental health services.

1. Demonstrate excellent customer service consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization.
2. Working safely in the field, advocate for and refer homeless individuals to IHS for immediate shelter and services; Collaborate with the shelter staff and specialty houses staff to ensure clients entering IHS shelters to provide successful placement and retention.
3. Complete HMIS intake, consent, VI-SPDAT, and other documentation with consumers per program standards of documentation within the specified timelines; complete AMHD Service Authorization Requests for submission to AMHD when contractually applicable.
4. Refer and connect homeless individuals to community resources, legal aid, healthcare access, substance abuse treatment and mental health services and partner organizations for such services, linkages and support as appropriate.
5. Responsible for the integrity of the clinical record and files including the completion and maintenance of all required clinical and administrative documentation according to IHS standards; accurately enter encounters and data into SAMi and HMIS, including using the VI-SPDAT as part of Coordinated Entry.

1. Knowledge of homelessness and the issue associated with it; mental health and substance abuse issues.
2. Strong written communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on conflict resolution.
3. Excellent time management and self-motivation skills.
4. Possess personal qualities of integrity, patience and commitment to mission.
5. Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

1. High School diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Direct or supportive services experience working with homeless or other disenfranchised individuals.
3. Valid Driver’s License and clean traffic abstract.

Regular Full-Time classification. General business hours, Monday through Friday, including some evenings, weekends and holidays. Hours and days may vary based on the needs of the organization.

IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace, and is proud to be an employer of national service.