What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engagement Specialist position at Archdiocese of St. Louis?
St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability.
Working collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government and other service providers, St. Patrick Center will end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through Housing First, an evidence-based practice that tells us to remove barriers, do intake and assessment early, move people into housing and offer them support to achieve their goals.
Position Summary
The Engagement Specialist role provides front‑line engagement, safety monitoring, and crisis response for residents, visitors, and individuals seeking services within a residential campus. The position supports client stability, connects individuals to internal and community resources, maintains required documentation, and promotes a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment.
Overview & Responsibilities
- Greet and direct volunteers, visitors, and individuals seeking services to appropriate entrances and resources.
- Maintain a welcoming, visible, and professional presence at the front desk and throughout the campus.
- Engage clients in conversation to assess needs related to housing, substance use, mental health, or general support.
- Provide accurate information and referrals to internal services, community agencies, and shelter providers as appropriate.
- Maintain positive, professional relationships with residents while upholding appropriate boundaries.
- Conduct scheduled security rounds indoors and outdoors to monitor safety, cleanliness, and policy compliance.
- Identify and report behavioral, emotional, or physical changes in residents to the social worker or supervisor.
- Utilize approved de‑escalation techniques to defuse conflict or volatile situations.
- Provide crisis intervention when necessary and escalate emergencies appropriately, including contacting 911 when indicated.
- Complete incident reports in accordance with ministry policy.
- Accurately document all client interactions, interventions, and services in CaseWorthy and Service Point.
- Complete daily shift notes and required documentation for ongoing clients.
- Maintain visitor sign‑in logs and front desk records.
- Ensure documentation meets agency standards for timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary and multi‑disciplinary teams to support client treatment goals.
- Coordinate with community service providers to ensure continuity of care and service delivery.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and required certifications.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Current TB test, CPR and First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire.
- Experience working with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders preferred.
- Knowledge of co‑occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses preferred.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Ability to function effectively within an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary team model.
Skills & Competencies Required
- Establishes respectful rapport with a diverse population while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally with clients, visitors, and staff.
- Identifies safety concerns, behavioral changes, and crisis situations promptly.
- Applies approved de‑escalation and crisis intervention techniques effectively.
- Appropriately escalate emergencies, including contacting 911 when warranted.
- Engages clients to assess immediate needs related to housing, mental health, or substance use.
- Provides accurate referrals to internal services and community resources.
- Completes timely, accurate documentation of all client interactions, incidents, and services.
- Maintains confidentiality and complies with ministry policies and regulatory requirements.
- Works effectively within interdisciplinary teams and with external service partners.
- Demonstrates reliability, alertness, and flexibility across varying shifts and duties. Ability to stay awake for entire shift.
- Ability to interface with diverse population.
Resources for Which Accountable
- None
St. Patrick Center does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. St. Patrick Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, and Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, and Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Our Mission
To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.
Transforming lives and working to create a community where everyone has access to sustainable housing, employment, and healthcare.
Benefits
As a part of the Catholic Charities family, you’ll have the resources to care for those closest to you. Options include generous parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements, group life insurance, permanent health insurance, and dedicated support to help you find the right child care or elder care.