Substitute Outreach Worker

At Project HOME, every role contributes to our mission of empowering individuals to achieve stability, wellness, and self-determination. As an Outreach Worker, you'll meet individuals where they are-building trust, providing compassionate support, and connecting people experiencing homelessness with the services and resources they need to begin their journey toward housing and recovery.

Working alongside our Outreach Coordination Center team, you'll engage unsheltered individuals across Philadelphia, advocate for their needs, and collaborate with community partners to improve outcomes for some of our city's most vulnerable neighbors. If you're passionate about making a difference through outreach, relationship building, and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you.

• Schedule: On-Call (Hours vary based on operational needs)

What You'll Do

Engage & Support Individuals

• Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness through regular street outreach.
• Conduct assessments and connect individuals with housing, shelter, healthcare, behavioral health, and other community resources.
• Advocate for participants and support them in accessing appropriate services and supports.
• Maintain a focus list of assigned participants and provide ongoing engagement.

Coordinate Outreach Efforts

• Collaborate with community organizations, healthcare providers, businesses, law enforcement, and outreach partners to coordinate services.
• Participate in case reviews, team meetings, and outreach planning.
• Monitor outreach "hot spots" and coordinate responses to emerging community needs.
• Support housing placements and transitions by working closely with residential and community partners.

Documentation & Program Support

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in required city and Project HOME database systems.
• Submit outreach reports, participant contacts, and placement information.
• Utilize technology to track participant engagement and service delivery.
• Adhere to Project HOME and Outreach Coordination Center policies and procedures.

Promote Safety & Stewardship

• Operate Outreach Coordination Center vehicles safely and responsibly.
• Maintain outreach equipment and organizational property.
• Uphold participant confidentiality while promoting dignity and respect in every interaction.

What You'll Need

Education

• High school diploma or GED.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license.

Experience

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, or related populations.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia's housing and homelessness service system.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Commitment to Project HOME's mission and person-centered approach.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic community settings.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Flexibility to work an on-call schedule based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform extensive walking and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies, including blankets, coolers, and other equipment.
• Ability to support individuals with mobility or physical challenges when appropriate.
• Ability to safely travel throughout Philadelphia during assigned shifts.

What You May Bring

While not required, the following qualifications may help you succeed in this role:

• Some college coursework or a degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) communication skills.
• Experience conducting street outreach or community-based engagement.
• Experience working with chronically homeless individuals.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, or crisis intervention.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience.

Who We Are

Project HOME is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. Through integrated housing, healthcare, education, employment, and supportive services, we empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve lasting stability.

We believe every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the support needed to thrive. Our employees are united by compassion, respect, and a commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Project HOME is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Project HOME conducts background checks, reference checks, and drug screenings on all final candidates as a condition of employment.