Mental Health Outreach Coordinator - Evenings

JOB TITLE: Mental Health Outreach Coordinator.

DEPARTMENT: Mental Health.

REPORTS TO: Director of Mental Health.

CLASSIFICATION: Non Exempt.

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 1 PM -9PM.

PRIMARY FUNCTION: In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House, part of the Covenant House international network, is committed to giving homeless youth a safe haven, absolute respect, unconditional love, and a path to lasting independence through housing programs and providing a continuum of care through supportive services. The Mental Health Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing mental health outreach initiatives aimed at engaging homeless and at-risk youth in mental health services. This position requires a focus on trauma-informed care, ensuring that youth experiencing homelessness are provided with compassionate, accessible, and effective mental health support. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with community organizations, shelter staff, and external mental health providers to ensure that youth are connected to appropriate services and resources that support their emotional and psychological well-being.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Outreach Program Development & Implementation:

• Design and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy to identify, engage, and connect homeless youth to mental health services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and long-term therapeutic support.
• Develop and execute community outreach events and initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues among homeless youth and promote available services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create pathways for youth to access mental health care.

Trauma-Informed Engagement:

• Ensure all outreach efforts are grounded in trauma-informed practices, with sensitivity to the unique experiences of youth who have experienced homelessness and trauma.
• Approach outreach and engagement in a way that respects the dignity, autonomy, and needs of youth, promoting a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment.
• Train and support shelter staff and volunteers to engage with youth in a trauma-sensitive way, understanding the impact of trauma on behavior and mental health.

Mental Health Education & Resource Navigation:

• Provide educational materials and resources to youth and their families (when applicable) about mental health, coping strategies, and the benefits of accessing mental health services.
• Offer information and referrals to youth about available mental health services, both within the shelter and in the community.
• Act as a resource for shelter staff and youth in navigating mental health services, ensuring that services are accessible, culturally relevant, and meet the specific needs of the youth population.

Youth Engagement & Case Coordination:

• Engage youth in one-on-one conversations to assess mental health needs and provide initial support or referrals to appropriate mental health resources.
• Completes brief mental health screenings on homeless youth seeking to engage in Mental Health Services.
• Work collaboratively with case managers and other shelter staff to integrate mental health services into individual case plans for youth residents.
• Coordinate with mental health providers to ensure that youth receive consistent and coordinated care, and that all appropriate services are being accessed.

Crisis Response & Intervention:

• Identify mental health gaps for homeless youth and collaborate with Street Outreach Response Team.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization support to youth in immediate mental health distress, following trauma-informed protocols to de-escalate and assess the need for emergency services.
• Work closely with the shelter’s mental health team to ensure that emergency mental health services are available for youth in crisis situations.
• Participate in on-call rotations or after-hours crisis support as needed.

Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• Track and monitor the progress of youth engaged in mental health services, ensuring that follow-up support is provided and that youth are supported in maintaining their mental health treatment plans.
• Conduct regular check-ins with youth to assess their mental health status and provide ongoing emotional support.
• Updates records, case notes, paperwork and data entry for youth; provides statistical data and monthly reporting on mental health and youth.
• Monitors youth’s compliance with therapy and psychotropic medication.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, referrals, and services provided, ensuring all documentation complies with confidentiality regulations.

Advocacy and Community Partnerships:

• Advocate for the mental health needs of homeless youth in the broader community, working to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health services.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with community mental health providers, local hospitals, and other agencies to ensure youth are connected with appropriate resources.
• Represent the shelter in community forums, meetings, or coalitions related to youth homelessness, mental health, or trauma.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Collect and maintain data on outreach efforts, service utilization, and outcomes related to mental health services for youth.
• Prepare reports on outreach activities, mental health engagement, and outcomes for internal purposes and external stakeholders or funders.
• Analyze trends in mental health needs among youth and use this information to recommend improvements or adjustments to the outreach program.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field required.
• At least 2-3 years of experience working in mental health, social services, or youth outreach settings, preferably with homeless or at-risk youth.
• Experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or case management is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of community mental health resources and experience working with community partners.
• Current (valid) license and successful pass of federal, local and state background check required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in working with vulnerable populations.
• Adolescent Mental Health, Mental Health Interventions, Suicide Prevention and Understanding Transgenderism.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build trust with youth, families, and community partners.
• Ability to conduct mental health assessments, provide crisis intervention, and connect youth with appropriate mental health services.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple outreach initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with shelter staff, external partners, and community stakeholders.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds and needs of homeless youth.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a variety of environments, both in-office and in the community, and respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Ability to engage with youth in outdoor or community settings as part of outreach activities.

Working Conditions:

• The role may involve travel within the community to meet with youth, community partners, or attend outreach events.
• Potential for exposure to challenging behavioral situations, requiring the ability to remain calm and employ trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.

Why Join Us:

Covenant House Texas offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. As the Mental Health Outreach Coordinator, you will emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care and community engagement in providing mental health services to homeless youth out in the community. The role is designed to not only provide direct mental health support and crisis intervention but also to engage youth, shelter staff, and the broader community in reducing barriers to mental health care and promoting emotional well-being.

Covenant House Texas (CHT) opened its doors in 1983 to provide shelter for homeless, abused and abandoned youth ages 18 – 24. After more than 35 years of service, CHT offers an extensive continuum of care model for homeless youth including mental health and substance abuse counseling, educational and vocational training, transitional and permanent living programs, street outreach and prevention, pastoral ministry and parenting classes in addition to providing the basic necessities of food, clothing, medical care and safe shelter from the streets for youth in crisis.