Outreach and Diversion Case Manager

General Information:

At Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO), our mission is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction, and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do.

Position Summary:

The Outreach and Diversion Case Manger will work with individuals who are recently homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless and assist them to identify and implement strategies that will prevent them from having to enter shelter, and secure permanent housing. This employee will also work with individuals to provide short-term case management services to help them stabilize and secure more long-term assistance, as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide outreach to clients of MTKO which includes, but is not limited to case management, crisis intervention, information, referral, accessing basic and emergency needs, advocacy, encouragement, and compassion.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule and participate in team environment and team-building activities.
• Work with other professionals in the community in an advocacy role on behalf of MTKO clients and guests.
• Maintain professional boundaries in the provision of service.
• In cooperation with the team, assume responsibility for creating a safe, supportive, and positive team environment of hospitality and empowerment.
• Assist with outreach and referral as needed with priority given to case management.
• Respond appropriately to crises, and work in cooperation with the team to develop and implement safety measures and procedures for reporting and ongoing documentation.
• Maintain confidential, updated, and accurate statistics and goal plans for individual clients.
• Attend Community Meetings, as assigned.
• Attend Team Meetings, as required.
• Assist with daily operations to include evenings and weekend on-call coverage.
• Help facilitate RentWise classes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of MTKO.

Skills and Education

• Bachelors degree in human services, or related field, required.
• Three five years of experience in the field of poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, and/or substance use, required. Personal life and work experience may be substituted for education.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Genuine interest in and concern for all homeless and near homeless individuals and the ability to advocate for this population with other professionals in the community.
• Knowledge of street culture and comfort in engaging and building rapport with persons who are homeless.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule and participate in a team environment and team-building activities.
• Valid drivers license and proof of insurance, required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing effectively with diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of Clarity/HMIS systems, preferred, and additional training will be provided.

Affirming Diversity/Culture

• Incorporate awareness and inclusion of diversity in all interactions.
• Conduct work with fairness and equity, incorporating best practices concerning difference and inclusion.
• Seek consultation and feedback to advance cultural competence.
• Embrace opportunities for training to advance inclusivity.
• Adhere to MTKOs diversity and inclusion policy.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, talk, or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds occasionally.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to indoor conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.