Outreach Assistant

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Outreach Assistant works with the Coordinated Entry Lead, Shelter Manager, Social Services Director, Hygiene Center Attendant, and others to provide intake and assessment services for persons who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The role includes entering persons into the Homeless Management Inventory System (HMIS), maintaining accurate data, utilizing a diversion-based, trauma-informed, and Housing First approach, and participating in monthly coordinated entry work groups.

The assistant also assists in the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) count, attends training, organizes educational opportunities, and provides referrals to housing providers such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and tenant-based rental assistance. The role is funded by an outside source and continuation of employment depends on continued fund sourcing.

• Experience working with low-income and vulnerable people
• Case management skills for ongoing support and advocacy
• Detail oriented and attention to detail
• Ability to empathize with and advocate for low-income and vulnerable people
• Maintain confidentiality with personal information
• Knowledge of social services and local resources preferred
• Knowledge or experience working with homeless/low-income families
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on working effectively in a team
• Able to make decisions based on policies and procedures manual
• Proficient in typing, organizing, and filing
• Able to multi-task and work in a team
• Understand and demonstrate crisis management skills
• Self‑motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision
• Communicate effectively, both written and orally, with Program Manager and other staff
• Have (or obtain within 30 days of employment) First Aid & CPR card
• Complete (or obtain within 30 days of employment) Blood‑borne Pathogens course
• Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's license and pass a driver safety training
• Pass a criminal background check
• Working knowledge of database applications and ability to use new software programs

• Provide support to participants living in the Night by Night shelter
• Maintain complete program documentation for participants
• Oversee office/records management, case management, data collection and reporting
• Answer a multi‑line phone system
• Enter data accurately and promptly into multiple databases and spreadsheets
• Help participants find emergency services (food, clothing, furnishings, transportation, etc.)
• Assist current and past participants with support services as funding allows
• Assist with crisis management and support recovery
• Build trust: be consistent, trustworthy, and honest
• Assist in preparation: help participants plan for and anticipate what to expect
• Devise case/service plan; help participants establish and maintain residential stability
• Attend community social service provider meetings and participate on committees
• Advocate for participants; network with partner agencies and community supporters
• Provide aftercare/outreach for participants that choose not to actively engage with housing services
• Follow up with participants and offer services
• Attend trainings and staff meetings
• Other duties as assigned
• May need to be on‑call for temporary periods of time

• Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, and reach overhead
• Ability to operate telephone and desktop/laptop computer
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to access and produce information from a computer
• Ability to understand written information
• Ability to drive for up to 90 minutes each direction
• Ability to walk outdoors, sometimes on uneven terrain
• Ability to carry outreach items such as backpacks, tents, hygiene kits
• Ability to set up folding tables

Qualifi…