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

Pays $22.41 per hour, -“For hours worked between 10:45pm - 7:15am, you will receive an additional $1.00/hour.”

This position carries a hiring bonus of $1500.00, payable in equal installments at three, six, and twelve months of employment.

“This bonus is only available to new, external hires to Pine Street Inn, including temporary staff who are thereafter converted to permanent employment status. This bonus is not available to Pine Street Inn staff or paid interns or paid co-op students who are seeking a transfer to this role. This bonus is only payable for work actually performed in this role. Employees who leave their position before they have worked all the time required for each bonus installment will not be eligible to collect further payment for their prior position, even if they stay at Pine Street Inn in another position.”

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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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