Outreach Specialist

Our Mission: The mission of RecoveryWorks is to create access to opportunities for community, recovery and resource alongside our un-housed neighbors.

Job Summary

The Street Outreach Worker is a field-based position responsible for providing direct services and housing-focused case management to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Working primarily outdoors in parks, encampments, and public rights-of-way in the City of Lakewood, the outreach position builds relationships with individuals disconnected from formal systems of care, with the primary goal of transitioning them into shelter and permanent housing. The role emphasizes trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and wrap-around care coordination, in close partnership with Lakewood’s Homelessness Response Coordinator, Police and Housing Navigators, and community partners. The Outreach Specialist works collaboratively as a team with RecoveryWorks staff and with external partners to ensure a continuity of care for unhoused neighbors.

Primary Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

· Outreach & Engagement

o Deploy to identified outreach locations, including encampments, parks, commercial corridors, and public spaces.

o Engage individuals using trauma-informed and low-barrier approaches, prioritizing those who are disconnected from services or have experienced service-related trauma.

o Provide direct engagement during encampment resolutions, including relocation support, safety planning, and connection to services.

· Housing-Focused Case Management

o Conduct initial housing assessments using Coordinated Entry tools and HMIS.

o Develop and implement individualized housing case plans with clients, focused on positive exits from homelessness.

o Assist clients in acquiring housing readiness documentation (IDs, Social Security cards, income verification, disability documentation, etc.).

o Coordinate referrals and warm hand-offs to housing programs, shelters (including Lakewood’s Navigation Center), and behavioral or primary health providers.

· Service Navigation & Wrap-Around Support

o Provide direct or referral-based access to services including health care, mental health, benefits enrollment (e.g., Medicaid/SNAP), outreach courts, employment services, and legal support.

o Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed; build collaborative networks that support client success.

· Data Management & Reporting

o Maintain accurate and timely entries in HMIS and other databases in compliance with Colorado CoC and HUD standards.

o Complete quarterly Performance and Evaluation Reports and meet all data quality and timeliness benchmarks.

o Ensure compliance with privacy, data security, and record-keeping protocols.

· Collaboration & Partnership

o Work in close coordination with the City of Lakewood’s Homelessness Response Team, including police navigators, housing outreach staff, and parks personnel.

o Establish and maintain partnerships with nonprofits, healthcare providers, libraries, and local businesses.

· Crisis Response & Risk Management

o Provide support and intervention during crises, including mental health episodes or safety risks.

o Develop and implement safety plans for clients at risk of harm.

o Participate in multidisciplinary case conferencing and outreach strategy meetings.

· Field Preparedness

o Carry outreach supplies (e.g., hygiene kits, food, resource materials) for basic support.

o Utilize agency phones and transportation (personal or agency vehicle) to engage in mobile outreach safely and effectively.

Education and Work Experience

· High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree in social/behavioral sciences preferred.

· Lived experience in homelessness and/or addiction/mental health recovery preferred.

· Preferred at least 2 years’ experience in street outreach, case management, or behavioral health services with vulnerable populations.

· Familiarity with Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Coordinated Entry systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges faced by underserved populations.

· Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.

· Commitment to client confidentiality and maintaining professional boundaries.

· Effective verbal and written communication; active listening and creative problem-solving skills.

· Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and de-escalation, particularly in sensitive or high-stress situations.

· Comfortable navigating physically demanding environments, including encampments and inclement weather.

· Ability to work independently in the field and as part of a multidisciplinary team that will include with law enforcement, government personnel, non-profits, healthcare providers, faith-based community and local businesses to support client-centered, housing-focused outcomes.

· Proficient in basic office technology (e.g., email, Microsoft Word, phones, data entry systems).

· Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but not required.

· Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize multiple responsibilities and respond flexibly to changing needs.

· Demonstrated commitment to advocacy and client empowerment across service systems.

Licenses & Requirements

· Valid Colorado Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and insurable driving record.

· Must pass a criminal background check per City of Lakewood grant requirements.

· Must complete HMIS training within 2-3 weeks of hire.

· CPR, First Aid, and Narcan training required or must be completed upon hire.

Working Conditions

Works primarily in outdoor environments – parks, encampments, streets with frequent interpersonal interactions. Home base office is RecoveryWorks’ Mountain View Flats at 14825 W. Colfax. May include transporting clients to and from appointments as necessary, and interacting with clients in the community.

Compensation & Benefits:

Annual Salary/Hourly Pay Range: 50,000 – 63,000

Bi-weekly pay periods

Benefits:

__Full-time Regular Benefits: 100% Employer paid employee medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee plus one dependent; IRA with up to 3% employer’s match and 11 paid holidays, 2 paid Personal Days, accrued Health Time and Personal Time Off.

EEO Statement:

RECOVERYWORKS is an equal opportunity employer. RECOVERYWORKS is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers vendors, and guests. RECOVERYWORKS welcomes applications from all, and strongly encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, and LGBTQIA people to apply.

How to apply:

External applicants email a resume and cover letter to Rebecca Martinez (rmartinez@recoveryworkstoday.org)). Resume and cover letter should inform RECOVERYWORKS of your experience and how it relates to the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000