Social Worker-Community Outreach

As part of Eau Claire County’s Community Outreach Team, the Community Outreach Social Worker will provide support, guidance, and resources to individuals and their families facing challenges related to homelessness, substance abuse, those experiencing symptoms related to mental health, and those dealing with other traumatic events. This role emphasizes building trust and establishing relationships with community members. The Community Outreach Social Worker will actively engage with individuals in the community to provide guidance, assess needs, offer resources, assist in navigating mental health and social services systems including housing to enhance client well‑being and self‑sufficiency, and support individuals through decision making.

They will work closely with the community outreach team.

• Conduct outreach across Eau Claire County in various public settings such as homeless shelters, hospitals, libraries, and outreach events to engage individuals who may benefit from services.
• Establish rapport and build trust with individuals through non‑judgmental, empathetic, and supportive interactions.
• Provide needs assessments for individuals and families, creating personalized service plans and providing ongoing support and follow‑up in community settings utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction principles.
• Apply expertise in cognitive/behavioral therapies and/or other evidence‑based therapeutic interventions to help support chosen treatment methods.
• Offer information and support in applications for and maintaining benefit programs.
• Assist clients in identifying and achieving personal goals related to housing, mental health, substance use recovery, and wellness, focusing on empowerment and self‑advocacy.
• Maintain a client‑centered approach while ensuring clients' autonomy and decision‑making power.
• Connect clients to available community resources and services, such as housing, mental health care, substance use treatment, and employment.
• Demonstrate effective case management by utilizing best practices and evidence‑based methods to ensure timely, efficient, and appropriate service delivery.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external service providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations for integrated client support.
• Organize and participate in community events, information sessions and workshops to raise awareness about available resources and services.
• Accurately document and track outreach activities, client interactions, and progress toward client‑defined goals ensuring compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Advocate for clients to ensure access to essential resources and services within the community and service systems.
• Promote awareness of community resources and support services through education and outreach.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and other scheduled activities; maintain open communication with colleagues, management, and external providers.
• Enhance professional knowledge and skills through reading, attending training events, workshops, and conferences.
• Use innovative strategies to identify creative approaches to solve system issues to better meet community needs.
• Foster a positive team environment to support a deep collaborative culture within the Outreach team.
• Provide feedback and support to team members to ensure continuous improvement.
• Adhere to State Statutes, Administrative Code, county and Department of Health and Human Services policies/procedures and social work practice standards.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the mission, vision, values of the Eau Claire Department of Human Services.

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field.
• Previous experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, those with disabilities, and/or a history of incarceration.
• 1 year of experience in family, children, or adult services, or successful internship completion in the relevant field.
• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background checks.
• Certified Social Worker or possess or ability to obtain a temporary…