Position Title:

Program Support Assistant-DC Public Library (Part Time Position)

Position Description:

This position is within the Public Services unit of the District of Columbia Public Library system, in the Service Design and Engagement department and serves as a Program Support Assistant. This position is responsible for supporting the Peer Outreach Program which serves individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Program Support Assistants will refer eligible customers to services in the community. 

Under the general direction of the Health and Human Services Assistant Manager, the incumbent will work closely with other non-profit outreach teams to connect customers with services.  Program Support Assistants will work to build trust with those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to help meet basic needs, including access to food, clothing, showers, laundry, transportation, identification, public benefits, and recovery support services. The Program Support Assistants will work at various libraries throughout the DCPL system. The incumbent will need to be self-directed, willing to work without an on-site supervisor, and be willing to take direction from branch managers, who are ultimately responsible for the smooth running of branch libraries. This position is part-time (30 hours) as 13-month Career Service Term position with term renewal subject available funds.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts community based outreach for consumers to assess needs and promote treatment engagement
• Participates in case reviews regarding care of the client; responsible for recognizing and reporting adverse physical and emotional reactions and recording behavior
• Engage individuals who need/want to be connected to services including; mental health services, substance use recovery services, housing, etc.
• Identify and engage individuals who may be experiencing homelessness in and around library branches
• Work with homeless customers to help identify needs, such as housing, mental health, substance abuse, food, etc. and work with customers on goal setting
• Assist individual customers with applying for public benefits including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, food including accompanying customers to apply for public benefits and other services
• Participate in supervision with DCPL Health and Human Services Manager
• Receive referrals from library staff and perform assessments to determine the patron’s individual needs
• Support DC Public Library staff by de-escalating situations where an individual is in distress
• Participate in daily check-ins with outreach team members, other outreach teams, and Health & Human Service Manager
• Maintain a binder of services for customer referrals
• Participate in trainings such as HMIS training, SOAR training, SPDAT training, Department of Behavioral Health and other trainings to increase knowledge of street outreach, peer support, motivational interviewing, goal setting, etc.
• Participate in DCPL front-line staff trainings related to homelessness, mental illness, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality of records in conformity with the District of Columbia federal law and regulations
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

The incumbent must possess a High School Diploma or GED plus a minimum of 1 year of experience providing direct customer service to customers. The incumbent must be a certified Peer Specialist through the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Experience working in an urban public library preferred

Additionally, the following is required:

• Must be a certified Peer Specialist through DBH
• Knowledge of the policies, practices, and procedures of the Peer Outreach Program
• Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse and the ability to assist the consumers to access care services
• Ability to maintain individual consumer interaction records. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to travel using public transportation
• Working knowledge of technology (computers and cell phones)

Application Process:

https://www.dclibrary.org/about/careers

Deadline:

02/06/2020