JOB
About the PositionThe position of Coordinated Entry Outreach Community Service Worker is part of the Homelessness and Housing Programs of the Human Services Division and serves as the primary contact for individuals or families experiencing homelessness, ensuring their basic needs are met while supporting them navigate through the Coordinated Entry process toward housing stability. The goal of the program is to ensure participants from the Centralized Waitlist are eligible and housed successfully in a shortened length of time. Focused on individuals and families currently on the Lane County Coordinated Entry housing list, the team provides direct services to help them identify and reduce barriers to housing, meeting people “where they are at” geographically, emotionally, and physically. A successful Coordinated Entry Outreach Community Service Worker is respectful, treats everyone with dignity and recognizes that building rapport is central to outreach engagement. Services provided to program participants include: EngagementProviding basic needs suppliesConnection to community resources and system navigationThe Outreach Team collaborates closely with community partners including housing resources, medical providers, behavioral health providers, courts, emergency services, jails, benefits resources, and other social service providers through all aspects of outreach services. This position will offer understanding to program participants and respond effectively and with sensitivity to special populations, such as those defined by race, ethnicity, language, age, sex, sexual orientation, economic standing, disability, migrant and seasonal worker status, homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and others.While the ideal candidate would have the following, we encourage anyone with a passion to serve our local unhoused community to apply: Experience providing social services to marginalized populations, specifically individuals who are unhoused or chronically homelessFamiliarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and landlord-tenant agreementsKnowledge of Eugene-Springfield area social service agencies and resourcesCase management experienceExperience with Coordinated Entry and Diversion Housing Problem Solving strategiesBilingual English-Spanish, both written and oralThis role is based at one of our downtown locations and involves operating County-owned vehicles as part of the job responsibilities. While there's potential for remote work hours after the training period, it may pose challenges due to the nature of the work.About the DivisionThe Human Services Division is dedicated to supporting the diverse communities of Lane County, including veterans, seniors, adults, children, youth, and families, during times of challenge and change in their lives. Our mission is to tackle the underlying causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness through a comprehensive range of services encompassing prevention, intervention, stabilization, and economic opportunity services.Through collaborative efforts with compassionate local communities, we strive to empower Lane County residents by facilitating access to essential tools and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter, more stable future for themselves. The division plays a vital role in administering funding, coordinating services, and offering assistance across six key program areas. These programs are a blend of contracted services with public and nonprofit organizations, direct support from our dedicated county staff, and active involvement in community initiatives. Our division’s program areas include: Administration: overseeing and managing operations, ensuring smooth functioning and effective coordination.Dovetail Coordinated Care Services: collaboratively coordinating integrated, wraparound services to optimize support for individuals and families.Utility and Rental Assistance: providing crucial support to help individuals maintain housing stability and meet essential needs.Housing, Homelessness and Community Services: addressing homelessness, housing insecurity and community improvements to enhance living conditions and opportunities for our most vulnerable citizens.Veterans Services: tailoring specialized support and resources to assist our Lane County veterans and their families.Workforce Services: providing employment and training programs for both job seekers and businesses throughout Lane County.Through these program areas, the Human Services Division is committed to making Lane County a better place to live, work, and play.Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm, with some flexibilities. *This is an AFSCME represented position*
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
TrainingEquivalent to the completion of two years of college course work.ExperienceTwo years of responsible community service experience.An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.Notes: Must be in possession of a valid driver's license at time of application, and a valid Oregon Driver's license by time of appointment.This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check.Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test.One of the essential functions of this position is to travel within Lane County (occasionally outside of Lane County) to completed scheduled meetingsBilingual English-Spanish is preferred, as well as experience working with individuals that are unhoused or chronically homeless, knowledge of community social service agencies, case management experience and knowledge of landlord-tenant agreementsStudies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Equal Employment Opportunity Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.Strategic Plan In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.Trauma Informed Care StatementLane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.Veteran Preference Information