Outreach Worker provides direct service delivery to the homeless population as part of the street outreach team. This individual works rotating shift assignments in accordance with maintaining an operational 24-hour facility.

POSITION TITLE: Outreach Worker

LOCATION/DEPT: North & Central Illinois Division / Mobile Outreach - Homeless Services

REPORTS TO: Program Director

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: Part-Time

DEPARTMENT MISSION

To support the full mission of The Salvation Army by providing compassionate, professional service to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter services and other resources in a team-focused manner.

OUTCOMES

Outreach Worker provides direct service delivery to the homeless population as part of the street outreach team. This individual works rotating shift assignments in accordance with maintaining an operational 24-hour facility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program/Administrative Duties
   1. Provide assessments of clients to determine appropriate services in order to find solutions and make appropriate service referrals.
   2. Direct assistance in distributing clothing/coat vouchers, blankets, etc. when available.
   3. Establish relationships with a variety of community agencies to find services appropriate for the needs of the clients.
   4. Interact with the homeless population served by the Mobile Outreach Unit to initiate and build relationships.
   5. Provide trauma inform care and services for street outreach to the homeless community in accordance with harm reduction model and infectious disease policies.
   6. Prepare unusual incident report and/or program violation reports as needed and/or warranted. Distribute to designated personnel.
      1. Maintain confidentiality of client information (verbal/written).
      2. Perform data entry in HMIS.
      3. Attend designated training when necessary.
      4. Perform general office task including reading daily emails, handling incoming/outgoing phone calls (directing calls to appropriate staff) in a courteous and professional manner and other related duties.
2. Other Duties
   1. Provide assistance in ensuring coordinated efforts with other areas, as assigned.
   2. Attend staff meetings as required.
   3. All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma/GED Required, Associate Degree preferred.
• 3 years' relevant work experience.
• Valid driver's License required

COMPETENCIES

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of or a willingness and aptitude to learn the concepts involved with serving low-income families.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• An attention to detail.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.
• A commitment to uphold and promote the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith based service organizations.
• An ability to work with confidential material.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work and must be able to walk up three flights of stairs at a time and lift up to 35lbs. Push and pull objects up to 50 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office and community center environment with a high noise level.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.