Outreach Case Manager

About MHA

MHA – Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live their best life. We provide a wide range of services across Western Massachusetts, including outpatient therapy, substance use recovery, supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, and residential and housing programs. MHA serves individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and homelessness. Our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowering people to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

About the Division of Supportive Housing (DSH)

MHA’s Division of Supportive Housing (DSH) provides safe, stable housing and individualized wraparound services for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. Many of the people we serve are also navigating challenges related to substance use, incarceration, or trauma.

DSH programs are designed to support long-term stability and help individuals successfully transition to independent, permanent housing. Through person-centered care, housing navigation, and community-based supports, we empower each individual to build a foundation for recovery, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life.

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Position Summary

The Street Outreach Case Manager provides housing-focused, trauma-informed, and person-centered outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The Street Outreach Case Manager engages individuals living in encampments, vehicles, abandoned buildings, wooded areas, and other unsheltered locations and supports them in connecting to housing and community-based resources. Using a person-centered approach, the Street Outreach Case Manager builds trusting relationships, supports enrollment in Coordinated Entry, assists with housing-related documentation, and maintains engagement until homelessness is resolved. Services emphasize consistency, flexibility, and respect for participant choice. The Street Outreach Case Manager will spend most of their time in the field and community and will regularly travel to MHA offices as needed.

Pay Rate: $23 an hour

Open Shift: Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, some flexibility required

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular street outreach to unsheltered individuals using trauma-informed and person-centered practices.
• Build rapport and maintain engagement through consistent, respectful outreach.
• Assess participants’ housing needs, preferences, and barriers in collaboration with the participant.
• Support connection to the CoC’s Coordinated Entry system, including completion of assessments.
• Assist participants with document readiness, including IDs, income verification, and benefits access.
• Collaborate with participants on housing-focused tasks\
• Maintain engagement with participants until homelessness is resolved or transitioned to another service, including during housing transitions.
• Connect participants to community resources, public benefits, healthcare, and treatment options.
• Support access to warming centers, shelters, and emergency supplies during cold weather.
• Provide transportation and accompaniment to appointments as needed.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in HMIS and agency systems.
• Follow agency, ESG, and HUD documentation and reporting requirements.
• Communicate incidents, safety concerns, or barriers promptly.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required training.
• Collaborate with Lead Street Outreach Case Manager, other team members and community partners.
• Seek ongoing professional growth and skill development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Mental Health Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, adequate automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to adapt to the evolving needs of participants.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain/maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
• High school diploma or equivalent, required.
• Minimum of six months of relevant experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders, required.
• Prior street outreach and navigation experience, preferred.
• Individuals with lived experience of homelessness, mental health, or substance use are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Long Term Disability
• $23 an hour