Description

Volunteers of America (VOA) and the YouthREACH Program envision a community where no young person experiences homelessness, and all young people have the opportunity to thrive. Youth and young (YYA) adults who access our services have a long history of inequities and disparities; including but not limited to homelessness, economic instability, high rates of chronic health and mental health conditions, traumatic events, lack of social support, etc. Our clients, typically, have developed numerous skills that have helped them survive and meet their needs, while facing homelessness.

The Street Outreach worker will be responsible for providing outreach, engagement, crisis intervention, case management, and referral assistance to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. Services are directed at meeting basic health and safety needs, assisting YYA to return home or to find other safe living circumstances and to provide community education and advocacy on behalf of YYA. This position is split between on-the ground outreach and providing case management services for the YYA encountered during outreach, as well as in the Crosswalk drop-in-center.

VOA serves people of many ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs; therefore, we seek a workforce, which reflects this diversity. VOA is committed to the successes of YYA and breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time position with 40 work hours per week. Core work hours fall between 8am and 8pm Monday through Friday. However, schedules may vary depending on the needs of the YYAs and sometimes may require long work hours and varied shifts, as well as evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential duties/responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of this job. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide street-based outreach to YYA in the Spokane region, as part of an outreach team. (Outreach is provided in accordance with the YouthREACH Street Outreach Plan, and safety of the Outreach Team is paramount).
• Engage with area YYA who are living in unsafe situations by working with YYA and staff and utilizing creative strategies to develop trusting relationships.
• Assist YYA in getting their needs met through referrals and distribution of supplies.
• Be knowledgeable of area resources for YYA and how to help YYA access those resources.
• Identify new resources within the community to assist with getting YYA needs met.
• Identify and communicate trends among area YYA for the purposes of advocacy and improving service delivery for these YYA. 
• Participate in community activities and events for the purposes of increasing awareness of YYA needs and educating the community regarding services and resources available through the YouthREACH program.
• Provide Case Management services to YYA including but not limited to:
• Answer and respond to calls on the crisis phone during work hours.
• Provide crisis intervention and lower-level case management when necessary.
• Access emergency services such as medical, law enforcement, shelter and detox services for YYA.
• Assist YYA with paperwork to apply for services in the community.
• Schedule appointments and attend meetings to help YYA build trust with other service providers that can offer more in-depth services and case management.
• Advocate for YYA to help remove barriers to services such as in legal, educational and rehabilitation settings.
• Assist YYA in procuring/replacing identification documents to remove barriers to housing.
• Work with a variety of personalities successfully and stay calm in tense situations.
• Ensure that YouthREACH services are in compliance with all grant requirements.
• Read, understand, adhere to and uphold the policies and procedures of Volunteers of America (VOA) and the YouthREACH program.
• Understand Foundational Community Support (FCS) criteria, eligibility, and billing requirements.
• Meet program requirements for billable client services.
• Complete Support Service Assessments with the goal of receiving approvals or exhausting all possibilities for authorization.
• Complete daily outreach logs and contact sheets as required.
• Comply with VOA and YouthREACH documentation requirements, including but not limited to: Medicaid requirements, guidelines for documentation, treatment plans, and Golden Thread progress notes.
• Input accurate and complete data for all contacts with participants into the agency database.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with VOA and YouthREACH program policies.
• Ensure that client files and program records are maintained in accordance with agency and grant requirements.
• Participate in program on-site monitoring for County/State/Federal agencies.
• Participate in required staff meetings including regular supervision.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
• Employee must transport self in their personal vehicle and may transport participants at the Case Manager's discretion.
• Travel as required. Travel is primarily local and during the business day; although very occasional out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.
• This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform this job.

Required Education and/or Experience: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science or related field,

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g. Associate’s degree in a social science or related field AND 2 years of relevant experience, etc.)

OR

• At least 4 years of relevant experience with participants and young adult disadvantaged populations, including but not limited to individuals experiencing chronically homelessness, active substance use and mental health conditions

Certificates and/or Licenses: To perform this job successfully, an individual must:

• Be eligible to be licensed as Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) and apply for credential within 30 days of hire
• Become CPR/First Aid/BBP Certified within 6 months of employment
• Have a valid Driver’s License
• Have the ability to maintain Auto Liability Insurance
• Have reliable transportation
• Have a Food Handler’s Permit
• Must be able to pass the following Background Checks:
• Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) background check
• Driving Record Review

Preferred Education and/or Experience: 

• Two (2) years of experience working with at-risk, runaway, homeless/street YYA

Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications: 

Must be at least 21 years of age according to the grant requirements. 

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies: 

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; including demonstrated strong interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to retain high professional standards regarding confidentiality. 
• Ability to multi-task and work in a high volume, fast-paced environment, balancing changing priorities. 
• Proven ability for attention to detail. 
• Ability to interact effectively with employees and managers from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. 
• Excellent public speaking skills for large and small groups. 
• Strong analytical and organizational skills. 
• Knowledge of Medicaid and/or Medicare and/or Medicare enrollment services and process. 
• Proficient in word processing applications and associated software such as Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Google Suite, Behavioral Health Software (Credible), and CMIS/HMIS. 
• Proficient reporting skills including auditing data and processes regularly to produce reports and/or communications to applicable stakeholders. 

Physical Requirements: 

In order to meet all expectations of this position, an individual must be able to: 

• Frequently lift and/or move items up to 25 lbs., move around outside in a variety of terrains, as well as traveling by car and bus, for prolonged periods of time (up to 4 hours) during the workday. 
• Regularly operates a computer with keyboard and mouse, as well as other office equipment, such as printers, copy machines, telephones, etc. 
• Occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 lbs., ascend and descend stairs, accompany YYAs to various appointments. 

Work Conditions: 

This job operates in a YYA shelter, as well as in street-based environments. The noise level in the work environments can be loud. 

While performing the essential duties/responsibilities of this job, the employee may experience the following environmental conditions at the frequency indicated:

• Noise Conditions: The noise level in the work environment is often loud and chaotic consisting of entertainment activities such as music, games, and television, in addition to usual business office sounds including but not limited to computers, printers, and telephones. This role also operates in street-based environments which often consists of motor vehicle traffic, construction, and other loud and chaotic sounds.
• Heat/Cold: May be subject to heat, cold, wet, and/or humid weather conditions, and occasionally extreme heat and/or cold.
• Injury Exposure: Position requires working with standard office equipment – copy machine, computers, and phones.
• Atmospheric Exposures: Typical office environment conditions; may be exposed to various scents and perfumes, less than sanitary or uncomfortable conditions, various pests and pathogens, participants’ service and emotional support animals, as well as clients in physical, mental or emotional distress.