Street Outreach Worker
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, CitySquares 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: Bachelors 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 drivers 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 streets, in encampments and other public access areas in Dallas County. Outreach will occur in identified hot spot areas when individuals are most likely to be found (including early morning and evenings).
- Developing individualized short & long-term housing plans and personal goals.
- Provide intensive case management services to persons experiencing homelessness using a housing first model.
- Assist persons experiencing homelessness in obtaining housing readiness documentation such as ID, social security card and income verification.
- Transport persons experiencing homelessness to appointments in personal or company vehicle
- Assist in identifying appropriate housing and completing housing applications.
- Provide support for persons experiencing homelessness as they transition from homelessness to housing.
- Enroll persons experiencing homelessness into the Coordinated Access System to be matched to a housing option.
- Provide crisis management and intervention.
- Ensure contract compliance and verify persons experiencing homelessnesss eligibility for program services.
- Utilize evidence-based practices, such as motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and harm reduction.
- Network with community agencies for the purpose of obtaining information, coordinating service referrals, and acting as a liaison between the person experiencing homelessness and the community agency.
- Work closely with other Case Managers and Outreach Workers to identify solutions to trends within the homeless community.
- Linking persons experiencing homelessness with treatment for substance abuse and mental health services, as well as other resources that are needed, both within CitySquare and outside of CitySquare.
- Help to resolve issues and develop solutions for continued success.
- Respond within 24 business hours to requests for street outreach services and send follow-up information to the requester and supervisor.
- Maintain current documentation and records of encounters, assessments, and referrals, as well as other statistical data required by the program, in ETO and HMIS.
- Familiarity with community resources for homeless participants and procurement of new resources.
- Attendance at any and all community meetings related to homelessness in Dallas.
- Present for monthly All-Staff meetings, weekly team meetings, case conferencing, training workshops and supervision.
- Lead a team of 4 or more during the annual Point in Time Count.
- Other Duties as assigned by Program Manager, Assistant Director and/or Director of NSS.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
This section describes the knowledge, skills and abilities an employee in this position should currently possess. Please note: The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are not limited to this list.- Knowledge of computers and software applications.
- Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
- Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to engage and build rapport with hard to reach homeless individuals.
- Ability to communicate effectively with homeless individuals and service providers.
- Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Ability to work as a team player.
- Ability to maintain regular, consistent attendance.
- Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
- Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.
- Desires to grow in knowledge of homeless services and resources.
- Driving is an essential function of this position.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS
This section describes the physical, mental and other special demands of this job. Modifications to the manner in which this job may be performed will be reviewed periodically.- Ability to work a 40-hour week.
- Ability to walk, sit and stand for long periods, up to 8 hours.
- Ability to use both hands in fine and gross manipulation of small tools (copier, computer, telephone).
- Ability to push and pull up to 10 lbs. (File cabinet drawers, computer paper boxes).
- Ability to see well enoug