Homeless Outreach Worker VHBE

Job Title

Homeless Outreach Worker

15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, Colorado

This term‑limited position (anticipated end‑date: March 31, 2027) is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), offering up to 40 hours per week. The selected candidate will build and maintain relationships with unhoused neighbors, act as a liaison for individuals and families, and connect them to services with the ultimate goal of housing. Salary range: $25.17 – $31.47 per hour.

• Build rapport and trust with unhoused individuals to address immediate needs.
• Engage individuals, assess medical, mental health, substance use, shelter, food, benefits, and other needs, and direct them toward appropriate services.
• Coordinate and work with community partners to ensure people are linked to services for stabilization.
• Participate in weekly meetings.
• Reach out to encampments prior to and during abatements, offering resources, transport, and support.
• Support and participate in the abatement process by providing outreach, transportation, resources, and basic imminent needs.
• Accurately enter data in HMIS and other data entry systems.
• Conduct coordinated entry assessments and updates.
• Collaborate with mental health and substance use providers to provide referrals.
• Supply basic needs (socks, food, hygiene kits, weather‑appropriate gear).
• Use City‑provided vehicles to visit clients professionally, including wellness checks; occasionally personal vehicle use is required.
• Partner with police and fire personnel on homelessness‑related issues.
• Develop individualized housing case plans with clients.
• Monitor clients’ progress and offer guidance, encouragement, and resources.
• Respond promptly to clients in crisis with immediate support and intervention.
• Develop and implement safety plans for clients at risk of harm.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and other evidence‑based practices to help clients set and achieve realistic goals.
• Actively seek and secure housing and shelter placements for clients, including emergency, transitional, and permanent options.
• Coordinate with other facilities, agencies, and property management to ensure smooth transitions into housing.
• Negotiate rental agreements and deposits to make housing accessible.
• Intervene in situations where clients have suicidal ideation using de‑scalation techniques and crisis intervention skills.
• Manage a caseload of 70+ individuals, prioritizing cases based on the Metro Denver Continuum of Cares’ definition of vulnerability.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Primarily field work with some office duties. May walk, drive, and operate in slick, muddy, snowy, or icy conditions. The role encounters hazardous environments, including human waste, drug paraphernalia, broken glass, barbed wire, weapons, and unknown materials. Employees may be required to work as essential personnel during emergencies.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 2–3 years of outreach experience with unhoused or vulnerable populations.
• Experience working in mental health or substance use settings.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Enrollment in HMIS within the first two weeks of employment.

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Lived‑experience with homelessness (preferred).
• Associate’s degree in social/behavioral sciences or related field (preferred).
• Knowledge of homeless services in Aurora and trauma‑informed care.
• Certifications:
  
  Mental Health First Aid, CPR, Narcan administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and MS Teams.

• Basic knowledge of homeless services and trauma‑informed care.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse populations.
• De‑scalation or crisis intervention capabilities.
• Ability to work in high‑stress environments with limited supervision.
• Awareness of surroundings and ability to withdraw from potentially unsafe situations.
• Face‑to‑face conflict resolution and strong boundary setting.
• Handling of sensitive information.
• Case management and social services experience.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Medium physical work involving moving up to 50 pounds, prolonged walking, standing, kneeling, and sitting. Frequent exposure to harsh weather, hazardous terrain, and potentially dangerous situations. Requires resilience to negotiation of physical danger and mental health risk.

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is not constrained by sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability, or military status unless it meets a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.