The Community Outreach Specialist serves as the primary community liaison for MiSide's Early Treatment for Psychosis (Navigate) program, an evidence-based coordinated specialty care program designed to support individuals experiencing a First Episode of Psychosis (FEP). This position is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with community partners, increasing awareness of FEP and Early Treatment for Psychosis services, and creating sustainable referral pathways that connect eligible individuals to specialized care. This position will actively engage with psychiatric inpatient units, emergency departments, psychiatric crisis screening centers, behavioral health providers, schools, colleges and universities, faith-based organizations, shelters, community organizations, and other referral sources. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, this role will help ensure early identification and timely access to treatment for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis.
This is a contractual position and requires a self-motivated professional who is comfortable working independently in the community while collaborating closely with the Early Treatment for Psychosis multidisciplinary team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Community Outreach & Partnership Development
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Develop and maintain strong working relationships with hospitals, behavioral health providers, schools, colleges and universities, churches, shelters, and other community organizations.
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Establish formal and informal referral partnerships with community agencies and healthcare organizations.
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Conduct outreach activities, educational presentations, workshops, and informational sessions regarding First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and the Early Treatment for Psychosis program.
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Representing MiSide and the Early Treatment for Psychosis program at community events, meetings, and networking opportunities.
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Promote awareness of Early Treatment for Psychosis marketing campaigns, including digital outreach initiatives and geofencing campaigns.
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Referral Development & Care Coordination
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Build and maintain a sustainable referral pipeline for individuals experiencing first episode psychosis.
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Identify potential Early Treatment for Psychosis participants through community engagement and referral partners.
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Collaborate closely with referral sources to facilitate timely referrals to MiSide's Early Treatment for Psychosis program.
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Develop and maintain systems for tracking referrals, outreach efforts, and outcomes.
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Maintain accurate referral contact logs and outreach documentation.
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Education & Community Engagement
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Provide education regarding:
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First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
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Early intervention services
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The Early Treatment for Psychosis model of care
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Referral processes and eligibility criteria
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Create educational materials, flyers, presentations, and outreach resources to support community engagement efforts.
Serve as a knowledgeable resource for community organizations regarding behavioral health services and coordinated specialty care.
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4
Collaboration & Program Support
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Complete all required Early Treatment for Psychosis and agency trainings.
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Work collaboratively with the Early Treatment for Psychosis clinical team, Implementation Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Quality Department, and Access Department.
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Participate in weekly supervision with the Early Treatment for Psychosis Implementation Coordinator.
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Provide weekly updates regarding outreach activities, community engagement, and referral development.
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Assist the Early Treatment for Psychosis Program Coordinator with grant reporting, data collection, and documentation requirements.
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Support continuous quality improvement initiatives and program development.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
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Serves on agency committees, working groups and other projects as assigned
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Other duties as assigned by supervision, contractual obligations and/or program description
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Maintain professional growth and development by attending job related training to keep abreast of the latest trends
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Participate in administrative staff meetings, agency committees, and other projects as assigned
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Adhere to MiSide policies and procedures
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Adhere to MiSide code of ethics, and comply with local, state and federal laws
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
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Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Public Health, or a related behavioral health field required.
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Master's degree in a related field, preferred.
EXPERIENCE
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Experience working in behavioral health, community mental health, healthcare, social services, or community outreach preferred.
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Knowledge of serious mental illness and behavioral health systems is preferred.
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Experience developing community partnerships and delivering educational presentations is highly desirable.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES
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Possession of a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable private vehicle for day-to-day job performance
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Strong understanding of community engagement and relationship-building.
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Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
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Ability to explain complex behavioral health concepts in an understandable manner.
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Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
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Ability to maintain accurate documentation and data tracking.
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Comfortable working independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.
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Excellent time management and project management skills.
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Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
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Strong interpersonal and networking abilities.
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Self-motivated with demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
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Comfortable working in community-based settings and traveling throughout the community.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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Services will be provided in the office, the clients’ homes or other appropriate community settings
- Work may require vehicle travel in an urban community
