Outreach Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Social Service Department

POSITION TITLE: Outreach assistant

STATUS: NON-EXEMPT, FULL TIME

SUPERVISOR: CORPS OFFICERS

MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

The outreach assistant works with the Coordinated Entry lead, Shelter Manager, Social Services director, hygiene center attendant, as well as Coordinated Entry Lead to provide intake and assessment services for persons who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. Enter persons into the Homeless Management Inventory System (HMIS) and maintain accurate data, entering changes to data within 5 days of contact or assessment change. Utilize diversion based, trauma informed and housing first approach engagement. Participate in monthly coordinated entry work group with city, county, state and federally funded and non-funded agencies with the purpose to work toward homelessness being rare, brief, and one time. Assist in the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) count. Attend training and and/or organize educational opportunities to community as applicable. Provide referrals to housing providers with include, but not limited to emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, tenant based rental assistance. These services are designed to support participants making changes that will help them establish and maintain residential stability in the community. The outreach worker works in conjunction with the coordinated entry lead and provides outreach supplies and information to individuals who are unsheltered.

This particular role is funded by an outside source, through grant funds, and as such, continuation of employment is dependent on continuation of fund sourcing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience working with low-income and vulnerable people
• Case management skills for on-going support and advocacy
• Detail oriented and attention to detail
• Ability to empathize with and advocate for low-income and vulnerable people
• Maintain confidentiality with personal information
• Knowledge of social services and local resources preferred
• Knowledge or experience working with homeless/low-income families
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on working effectively in a team
• Able to make decisions based on policies and procedures manual
• Proficient in typing, organizing, and filing
• Able to multi-task and work in a team
• Understand and demonstrate crisis management skills
• Self-motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision
• Communicate effectively, both written and orally, with Program Manager and other staff
• Have (or obtain within 30 days of employment) First Aid & CPR card
• Completed (or obtain within 30 days of employment) Blood-borne Pathogens course
• Maintain valid Washington State Driver's license and pass a driver safety training
• Pass a criminal background check
• Working knowledge of database applications and ability to use new software programs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support to the participants living in Night by Night shelter
• Maintain complete program documentation for the participants
• Oversee office/records management, case management, data collection and reporting
• Answer a multi-line phone system
• Enter data accurately and promptly into multiple databases and spreadsheets
• Help participants find emergency services (food, clothing, furnishings, transportation, etc.)
• Assist current and past participants with support services as funding provides
• Assist with crisis management, support recovery
• Build Trust: Be consistent, trustworthy, and honest
• Assist in Preparation: Help participants plan for and anticipate what to expect
• Devise Case/Service Plan; help participants to establish and maintain residential stability
• Attend community social service provider meetings and participate on committees
• Advocate for participants; network with partner agencies and community supporters
• Provide aftercare/outreach for participants that choose not to actively engage with housing services
• Follow-up with participants and offer services
• Attend trainings and staff meetings
• Other duties as assigned
• May need to be on-call for temporary periods of time

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead
• Ability to operate telephone
• Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to access and produce information from a computer
• Ability to understand written information
• Ability to drive for up to 90 minutes each direction
• Ability to walk outdoors, sometimes on uneven terrain
• Ability to carry outreach items such as; backpacks, tents, hygiene kits
• Ability to set up folding tables

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is a reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

The Salvation Army will comply with all governmental orders and any contractual obligations relative to COVID-19 safety measures, including mandatory vaccination of staff, if required. The Salvation Army will consider requests for exemptions from any such requirements on either religious or medical grounds.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.

Work does require local travel to offices, other agency buildings, outdoor encampments, and other buildings. Some work is sedentary, performed in a typical office environment.