Caminar Careers

Position Title: LGBTQ Mental Health Outreach Specialist 

Program/Dept: Mental Health LGBTQ Outpatient 
Reports to: Clinical Supervisor and Director of LGBTQ Programs 
Classification: Full-time, Exempt. This position involves a combination of in-office duties, community-based outreach, home visits, and virtual engagement. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for outreach events. 
Salary Range: $28  + & Benefits 

About Us:  Caminar is a leading behavioral health organization that supports youth and adults across multiple counties in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Caminar builds strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment, and wrap-around services, delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. Founded in 1964, Caminar's vision is to be a beacon of safety, compassion, and fulfillment, supporting all those in our communities who need it most. Our mission is to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. 

Caminar values diversity. People of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, faiths, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are welcome here. To learn more, please visit www.caminar.org. 

Position Summary: The position of Mental Health Outreach Specialist is under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and the Director of LGBTQ Programs, with the requirement that 25% of time at minimum, is Medi-Cal billable or services being provided to clients. The Mental Health Outreach Specialist supports youth, young adults, and their families by providing culturally competent family support services, care coordination, and community outreach. This role focuses on implementing predictable behavioral routines and interventions, delivering caregiver education, and assisting with access to community resources, referrals, and linkages to additional services. A key component of the position is promoting awareness and inclusivity around Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) to reduce stigma, improve engagement with behavioral health services, and increase access to community supports—particularly for LGBTQ+ populations. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate outreach activities and contacts targeting youth and providers at resource fairs, schools, and community organizations as well as online outreach through youth centered social networks.  

• Promote and obtain referrals for mental health services as well as LGBTQ Youth Space program initiatives throughout Santa Clara County.  

• Develop and maintain contacts and relationships with area youth service providers especially related to foster care and juvenile justice programs to ensure referral linkages for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.  

• Coordinate and facilitate regularly scheduled activities in local schools and other off-site locations  

• Provide direct case management and rehabilitation services to youth, young adults and families using Family Acceptance Model per the Santa Clara County Mental Health Department system of care. Clients may have dual diagnoses, both mental health and substance abuse disorders.   

• Assess, consult regarding diagnosis; use engagement skills to support the development narrative summaries and treatment plans using Transformational Care Planning model for all clients assigned to caseload in collaboration with the assigned Mental Health Clinician. 

• Plan and administer case management and mental health rehabilitation services to assist clients in accessing resources and reduce functional impairment due to mental health disorders and related problems.   

• Discuss progress toward treatment goals with client and family  

• Consult with treatment team: Mental Health Clinician, LVN, Psychiatrist and/or other specialist concerning treatment plan, and update treatment plan as directed.   

• Refer clients to supportive services to supplement treatment.   

• Provide services at Caminar San Jose and Palo Alto office locations, as well as in client homes and in the community.  

• At times transport clients to access services.   

• Maintain excellent client records and complete all agency and/or third-party payer required reports and paperwork.   

• Comply thoroughly with County Mental Health contract documentation and auditing standards and requirements in a timely manner.   

• Participate in supervision and team meetings.   

• Other duties may be assigned as needed.  

Requirements, Qualifications, Skills & Abilities: 

• Education and/or Experience 

• Four years of experience in human services, or a Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, or related field preferred.    

• Experience working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community required.   

• Experience working with teens and/or young adults and families strongly preferred.   

• Experience with outreach, community education, or community organizing required.  Public speaking experience required.    

• Cultural competencies strongly emphasized: ideal applicants will demonstrate professional and/or personal experience with a variety of racial, cultural, linguistic, sexual identity, disability, and recovery populations.   

• Bilingual Spanish and English strongly preferred.   

• Lived in community, educational and/or professional experience with diverse LGBTQ culture and issues preferred   

• Prefer knowledge of Medi-Cal Mental Health policies, procedures and requirements.   

• Must have and maintain current California driver’s license and functioning automobile.   

• Computer skills - Proficient using Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet Explorer. Electronic Health Record knowledge and experience desirable.  

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:   

• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service; Meets commitments.   

• Interpersonal skills – focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control.   

• Written Communication –Writes clearly and informatively; Edit work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information.   

• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback.   

• Ethics –Works with integrity and ethically.   

• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.   

• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.   

• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines.   

• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.  

• Dependability – Follows instructions; Responds to management direction.   

• Initiative – Asks for and offers help when needed.   

Position Requirements:  

• Physical: Occasionally required to push/pull objects up to 50 lbs., and to lift/carry objects up to 25 lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, etc. Must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods. 

• Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, interacting with residents and staff, etc. Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language. 

• Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption. Must be able to attend a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time. Must be able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over a period of several days. 

• Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to toxins and poisonous substances, dust, and loud noises. 

• Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone, and fax machine. 

Essential Requirements:  

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance, as required by Title XXII, other licensing regulations, and Caminar practices. 

• This position may require limited, occasional, or frequent driving.  If required, a valid California driver license, a reliable personal vehicle, and current personal auto insurance is required by law.  In addition, an MVR sufficient to obtain and maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies are all essential job requirements. 

• Must be able to pass post offer, pre-employment medical and drug tests as required under State Community Care Licensing regulations and/or agency policies. 

• Must be able to obtain clearance for credentialing through the County of Santa Clara to provide services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.  

• If applicable, a personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan to use for business purposes. 

• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.