Street Outreach Worker
CitySquare, United States
Job Description
ABOUT CITYSQUARE | NEIGHBOR SUPPORT SERVICES
CitySquare is a nonprofit based in Dallas, Texas that exists to fight the causes and effects of poverty through service, advocacy, and friendship. For over thirty years, CitySquare has grown to be one of the most effective social services organizations in the city with multiple programs working together to address housing, hunger, health, and hope. Working hand in hand with our neighbors - we do not have clients - we develop sustainable programming and partnerships that provide support and encouragement so that all can achieve their full potential. Following the Housing First philosophy, CitySquare’s Neighbor Support Services (NSS) department operates several programs to serve all neighbors by fostering hope through outreach, housing, and supportive services to promote positive life changes. Programs included in NSS are Destination Home, A Way Home, Homeless Outreach Team, Cottages, and Dallas Real Time Rapid Rehousing.
The NSS team is made up of a Sr. Program Director, Assistant Program Directors, Program Managers for each program, Assistant Program Manager, Lead/Clinical/Case Managers, Housing Specialists, Housing Navigators and Outreach Workers to support the overall work of each program. Team members are passionate about working with neighbors experiencing homelessness while also being able to manage reporting requirements necessary to maintain grant funding, including accurate financial reporting and data entry. Team members effectively communicate through in-person meetings with fellow staff, interactions with neighbors, and communication with all stakeholders necessary to the vision of restoring hope for the thousands of neighbors living in poverty in our city.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Street Outreach Worker will provide daily street outreach to persons experiencing homelessness who are unsheltered staying in places not meant for human habitation in Dallas County. Using a Housing First and harm reduction approach, the outreach case manager will provide street outreach and engagement services to conduct case management interventions to assess and link those experiencing homelessness to long term housing, substance abuse and mental health providers, and other supportive services. The Outreach Worker requires knowledge of and experience in working with highly vulnerable populations. In addition, the Outreach Worker requires knowledge of and experience in mental health, addictive disorders, benefit eligibility, Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing. The Outreach Worker will administer assessment tools, facilitate placement into emergency housing, if needed, and assist in the process of getting homeless individuals enrolled in CAS. This position will also assist the unsheltered in obtaining critical documentation and accompany them through the housing application process. The Outreach Worker is responsible for helping participants achieve successful placements and provide ongoing support. He/She will assist participants in communication with and support from established agencies, charities, and government programs.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred
Experience: One (1) year experience in case management, preferred. Outreach experience preferred. Experience with highly vulnerable populations, homeless population preferred. Orientation to best practices in behavioral health services for vulnerable populations.
Licensure/Certification: Current Texas Social Work license preferred.
Additional Requirements: Excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Positive attitude, flexibility in a highly dynamic environment and able to handle crisis situations under pressure. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/tasks. Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and be resourceful. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to work occasional flexible hours as requested. Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation. Willing to transport program participants. Willing to work with chronically homeless individuals with disabilities (physical, mental and/or substance abuse) who may or may not have criminal backgrounds. Willing to provide outreach and engagement to unsheltered homeless living in places not meant for human habitation, including in encampments, under bridges, and other locations where unsheltered homeless stay.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
This section describes the primary responsibilities of an employee in this position. Please note: The primary responsibilities of this position are not limited to this list.
- Consistently engage persons experiencing homelessness on the street