LTE Outreach and Response Specialist - 5458361-0

The Dane County Human Services department, Human Services division has five (5) limited term vacancies for an LTE Outreach and Response Specialist position, in Madison, WI. These positions will work within the BHRC as part of the Badger Healing Center, a newly established resiliency center supporting victims, survivors, first responders, and community members impacted by the mass violence event that occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in December 2024. Hours will be variable and will include some evenings and weekends. Limited Term employees are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week. COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customers’ needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. DEFINITION Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, this position conducts outreach to individuals at risk in order to support them and their recovery. Once connected with individuals who are at risk, the Outreach and Response Specialist provides safety planning, information and assistance and short-term follow-up services to adults, as well as connects individuals to programs and services, including public and privately funded options. This position will build on the strengths of individuals, families, and the community in order to achieve their recovery and sustainment goals. Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and service providers in order to advocate for clients’ needs to assure appropriate services are delivered. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Outreach and Response Specialists may work in one (1) of the following areas: Public Health - Violence Prevention and Intervention: Provides outreach to identified individuals who are at risk of perpetrating or being victimized by violence, or are actively engaging in violence; responds to the needs of those involved in incidents of violence; connects with individuals engaged in violence or risky behavior that may lead to acts of violence to discuss safety planning, access to resources, and other services. Mediates ongoing conflicts in the community that have the potential to lead to violence. Searches through the databases, written and other computer-based information resources to identify, evaluate, and suggest potential programs and services. Assesses client/family needs in order to provide information and assistance. Provides follow up to determine outcomes and provide additional assistance in locating resources and arranging services. Collaborates with law enforcement agencies and violence prevention service providers to share information and problem-solve, based on clients’ needs. Develops and implements client action plans as part of short-term service coordination. Assists in individualized goals of the clients to address immediate and long-term needs. Completes and maintains required agency documentation. Participates on special task forces, internal and community committees, in order to assist coordination of programs and services. Conducts community outreach and presents information regarding the program to community organizations and service providers. Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC): Conducts targeted outreach in response to community needs. Connects with individuals to provide service navigation and referrals, client needs assessment, case management and advocacy, wellness supports, peer support, psychoeducation, and behavioral health services or linkages. Provides follow up to determine outcomes and provide additional assistance in locating resources and arranging services. Collaborates with service providers and other community partners to share information and problem-solve, based on client and community needs. Develops and implements client action plans as part of short-term service coordination. Assists in individualized goals of the clients to address immediate and long-term needs. Completes and maintains required agency documentation. Conducts community outreach and presents information regarding the program to community organizations and service providers. Education, Training and Experience: Any combination of education, training and/or experience (lived or employment-related), that is equivalent to an Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a public health, human service, health science, or social science related field, or at least two (2) years of experience working directly with the target population and an understanding of substance use, mental health, behavior change, economic assistance, and employment skill development service networks and service methods. Experience conducting case management, outreach and engagement, and/or street outreach or public health planning. Special Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Work schedule will be determined based on coverage of shifts. On-call, early morning, late afternoon, and evening work hours may be required. Must be available to work nights and weekends as needed. May be asked to be on-call, including holidays and weekends, to assist in a crisis. Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. For Bilingual Positions: • Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.). • Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job. • If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation. Physical and Environmental Work Requirements: Work involves driving, walking, sitting, and standing. Ability to work and operate a motor vehicle in adverse weather conditions in rural and urban areas. Ability to be fit tested and wear N95 mask. Working conditions may vary in relation to heat, cold, fatigue, etc. Extensive use of computer and extensive phone calls with clients and participating providers. Regular engagement with community members, staff and community stakeholders. Extensive local travel and occasional out of town travel for statewide and national meetings and conferences may be required; must have ability to transport oneself. Knowledge or direct experience of violence and/or injury and/or behavioral health as a major social and health problem, and understanding of related prevention and intervention methods. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and best practices. Knowledge of community resources and referral procedures. Knowledge of assessment and care management techniques. Knowledge of planning, organizing, and problem-solving strategies and ability to deal appropriately with difficult situations. Knowledge of or strong ties to the community that is being served. Knowledge of HIIPPA, privacy, and confidentiality standards of practice. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations. Ability to proficiently use a computer and related office equipment. Familiarity with or ability to learn required software and data base programs. Ability to establish priorities for service intervention. Ability to be decisive and to make sound decisions under the pressure of crisis or emergency situations. Ability to participate in a work setting as a team player. Ability to participate in peer support trainings.