CLASS SUMMARY: The PATH Outreach Assistant is responsible for providing outreach and support to persons who are seriously mentally ill and/or co-occuring substance use disorder and homeless in the community. DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS: I. IMPACT: The class has the responsibility for engaging eligible clients to receive PATH Services. Activities of incumbent can assist in linking clients to needed services and promoting successful community living. II. LATITUDE: Routine work is performed both independently and with other PATH team members. Supervisory staff is available to assist with new or unusual assignments or problems. III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: None. IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: The work of this class requires continuous contacts with people who have a serious mental illness and/or co-occuring substance abuse disorder who are homeless. Supportive counseling is provided to PATH clients. In some instances interaction with professionals from other agencies or service providers may be necessary. Incumbent is an active member team which provides outreach and case management to persons who are seriously mentally ill and homeless. V. DIFFICULTY: Appropriate relationships with a variant of clients with serious mental illness, including those with co-occuring substance abuse disorders, requiring use of judgement and discretion. Incumbent will be providing outreach and interacting with PATH clients who have medical and/or mental impairments which can result in abusive and/or aggressive outbursts or emergency situations. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Work involves oral communication with PATH team members, engaging and developing relationships with the target population and linking clients to needed services. Written documentation as required. VII. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY: None. VIII: WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be performed in locations where the target homeless population are typically found. Outside activities expose incumbent to elements of nature. Incumbent is subject to verbal and physical abuse by people who are homeless. IX: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA'S): Good knowledge of serious mental health disorders, and of the principles and practices relating to the care of individuals who have these disorders. Ability to engage and develop relationships with clients in locations of their choice. Ability to function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability and commitment to work on personal recovery. Ability to function calmly in a stressful situation. Ability to acknowledge personal strengths and limitations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. X. LICENSURE: Valid Virginia Driver's License. XI. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLASS: Provide outreach to serious mentally ill people. Assist in engaging and developing relationships with PATH clients. Assist in identifying client needs. Provide supportive counseling and encouragement to clients. Assist in linking clients to needed services, including food, clothing, housing, health care, income supports and entitlements. Instruct clients as to their human and legal rights. Safeguard the confidentiality of clients and records pertaining to clients. Attend team meetings and provide input for group process, evaluation and problem solving. Provide social role model for clients in interaction with other team members and clients. Maintain appropriate and consistent interpersonal boundaries with PATH clients. Complete written documentation as required. Assist Clients with activities of daily living. Perform other duties as assigned. Transports clients as necessary. XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contacts as normally defined by the ability to see, hear, read, talk, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment such as but not limited to personal computers, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Walking up and down stairs, pushing and lifting a wheelchair, lifting, moving and carrying boxes, office supplies, groceries, some climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing and pulling. May be required to move clients from one area to another. |
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