Outreach Specialist - Men's Shelter

Since 1952, Light of Life Rescue Mission has been a safe refuge for homeless and hurting people in the Pittsburgh area. We are currently seeking a full-time Outreach Specialist to be based in our new building on Pittsburgh's Northside.

We believe each person is created uniquely by God
and therefore is endowed with value and dignity.
Light of Life is committed to building a staff community
that reflects the diversity of His creation.
~ Jerrel Gilliam, Executive Director

The Outreach Specialist assists the street homeless who enter the Emergency Shelter's Day Center, meeting their immediate needs and referring them to other community partner s when appropriate. These Specialists will periodically team with a co-worker in visiting homeless encampments to provide resources and build relationships, so those in need might participate in our recovery programs. The position serves a dual role in both outreach and internal direct care while collaborating with Shelter Managers, Case Workers, and Care Support Specialists as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Establishes service plans and manages cases for the transient homeless in the Day Center. Addresses guests' immediate needs and helps in their longer-term planning.
2. Works with and trains volunteers for service in Outreach.
3. Works with a team that includes other organizations and LOL staff to address general homeless issues and build relationships with those who live in the street.
4. Creates and sustains partnerships with other social service agencies.
5. Gathers and records data for qualitative and quantitative analysis for both the County's homeless management system and the Mission's in-house data management system.
6. Assists with transporting guests to other facilities or partner social service agencies.
7. Other duties for direct care of guests within the shelter as requested.

Due to the interface with the clients, Light of Life considers every position to be essential in the fulfillment of our ministry and as such, requires employees to:

• Walk alongside clients and share our way of life with them through actions and words.
• Establish mutual trust and create a safe, authentic environment so that the clients continue to move away from the issues that have kept them in addiction and homelessness.
• Serve the clients in a healthy/life-giving manner and practice a self-evaluative lifestyle.
• Resolve issues according to Light of Life's principles while following the staff manual.
• Exhibit love for co-workers and clients.
• Help the clients make choices that are in their eternal best interest.
• Practice responsible stewardship of all resources.
• Model personal responsibility, accountability, timely reporting, and a reflective lifestyle.

Skills and Competencies:

• Listens and connects easily with people; Establishes trust and builds rapport quickly.
• Effectively discerns the needs of people in addiction and/or homelessness.
• Fluency relating to diverse people and personalities.
• Competent in the use of personal computers, including Microsoft Suite products and possesses the ability to learn new proprietary software.
• Exhibits self-awareness, humility, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Share the love of God with authenticity and practices Christian hospitality.
• Manages various tasks simultaneously.
• Works well in a team.

Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Education/Experience:

• High School graduate or GED, associate's dree in social work or related field preferred.
• Work history engaging directly with the public, 2-3 year counseling/case management experience preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain it within six months.
• Previous experience working in human services preferred.
• Knowledge of substance abuse recovery and mental illness helpful.
• Computer skills including the ability to utilize email and maintain databases.

Equipment / Tools Used:

• Phone
• Computer

Light of Life Ministries Inc offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental, Vision and other valuable benefits, which begin the first of the month following employment. Light of Life also offers a retirement plan with match program after 6 months of employment.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter with their resume.

Light of Life is committed to maintaining a drug-free community.  Due to the nature of our ministry serving some who struggle with issues of addiction or drug abuse, our staff may not use or consume controlled substances like marijuana, even when prescribed by a physician. 

Salary : $18 - $22