Homeless Outreach Worker Job Nashville area,Tennessee USA,Social Work

Homeless Outreach Worker

Reports to Senior Manager of Homeless Outreach

FLSA / WAGE Non-Exempt $21.65 - $24.61 per hour

Job Summary

Responsible for providing street outreach to individuals who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Outreach responsibilities include:

Meeting members in the field and engage in basic conversation while assessing individual needs.

Provide informal one-on-one care and discuss available services such as housing and disability assistance, and mental health and substance use treatment.

Make referrals to other service providers or agencies.

Engage in other activities that promote recovery or stability for the individual, including assistance with obtaining identifying documentation.

Offer assessment and recovery services for persons with co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance use disorders.

Essential Functions

Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Davidson County to assist in obtaining housing, income, insurance, and mainstream services.

Canvassing mapped areas of Davidson County consistently to locate and engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the streets and in encampments.

Engaging people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to reduce the risk of harm and to enhance safety (e.g. increasing access to cold weather gear, crisis services, etc.)

Attempting to engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in a manner that promotes trust, safety, and autonomy, while developing relevant goals.

Guiding people to achieve and maintain positive change. Reinforcing healthy behaviors and supporting skill-building and the development of needed support.

Interviewing people experiencing homelessness to gather needed information and documentation for housing and services including the VI-SPDAT, universal data elements for HMIS and other required HMIS data elements for Coordinated Entry and any grant specified requirements.

Establishes rapport with individuals who are experiencing homelessness and gathers information to serve them better. Trust building activities like meeting the client where they are—from campsites to community feedings—is emphasized.

Assist members in obtaining identifying documentation such as a social security card, birth certificate, and state driver's license.

Is trained in housing navigation through Nashville's Coordinated Entry System and assists all appropriate members through the housing application process.

Linking people experiencing homelessness to mainstream services like housing navigation, healthcare, SNAP, SOAR services, etc.

Value cultural competence and diversity

Collaborate with staff, members, and the community to gain the perspectives of others having diverse opinions, abilities, values, beliefs, perspectives, and ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

Take deliberate steps to increase your own cultural competency by attending trainings, events, discussions, workshops, etc.

Other duties

Attends local community meetings regarding homeless services and advocacy including Outreach meetings, Nashville Coalition for the Homeless meetings, Coordinated Entry System Care Coordination meetings, etc.

Participates in other Park Center agency activities such as special events and working designated holidays, including Thanksgiving or Christmas, as scheduled.

Skills and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field preferred; or equivalent experience in social services field (ex. Peer Support Certification and experience).
Minimum 1-year prior experience navigating or working in the social services, homelessness, or mental health and substance use field.
Experience as team lead in prior roles or leadership positions preferred.
Eager to learn
Committed to customer service
Ability to receive constructive feedback and incorporate feedback into practice
Demonstrate commitment to org mission and values
Deep understanding and appreciation for how social inequities impact health and housing outcomes.
Strong ability to work within a team with flexibility to help with coverage.
Strong time management skills and ability to independently meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills and…