Outreach Worker, Full-time

About the Role: The Outreach Worker plays a critical role in connecting clients with essential community resources and support services. This position involves engaging directly with individuals and groups in various settings to assess needs, provide information, and facilitate access to healthcare, housing, and social services. The Outreach Worker acts as a trusted liaison between clients and service providers, advocating for client needs and helping to overcome barriers to service utilization. Success in this role results in improved client well-being, increased community engagement, and strengthened support networks. The Outreach Worker must be adaptable, empathetic, and proactive in addressing complex social challenges within various communities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of experience working in community outreach, social services, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse populations.
• Reliable transportation to travel within assigned outreach areas.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or related field.
• Experience working with populations such as homeless individuals, youth, or those with substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with local social service systems and community resources within Richmond, VA.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities to effectively communicate with non-English speaking clients.
• Training or certification in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, or case management.
• Proficiency with data management software and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach activities in community settings such as shelters, clinics, schools, and public spaces to identify individuals in need of assistance.
• Build trusting relationships with clients to assess their needs and develop personalized plans to connect them with appropriate services.
• Provide education and information about available community resources, including healthcare, housing, employment, and social support programs.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to help them navigate complex systems and overcome barriers to accessing services.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, referrals, and outcomes to monitor progress and report to supervisors.
• Collaborate with community organizations, service providers, and government agencies to coordinate care and support for clients.
• Transport clients to appointments, service sites, etc. as needed.

Skills: The Outreach Worker utilizes strong communication and active listening skills daily to build rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential for assessing client needs and developing effective connection strategies to community resources. Organizational skills are used to manage caseloads, maintain detailed records, and coordinate with multiple service providers efficiently. Empathy enables the Outreach Worker to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals facing complex social challenges. Additionally, adaptability and teamwork skills support collaboration with colleagues and community partners to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.

Benefits: At our organization, we believe that caring for our community begins with caring for our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include competitive health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; 4–6 weeks of paid time off based on years of service; 8 paid holidays and paid site-closure days; employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance with optional supplemental coverage for eligible dependents; and a continuing education (CEU) allowance for applicable roles to support ongoing learning and impact. Select positions are also eligible for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment program.

EOE