Outreach Worker

Description

Title: Outreach Worker

FLSA Status: Full time, Non-Exempt

Purpose:

The Outreach Worker is responsible for providing direct support to long-term homeless households who are connected to Guild for services. Guild does Outreach in Dakota, Scott and Anoka Counties. The Outreach Worker will work in partnership and collaboration with social service and housing providers to ensure that homeless households decrease the time between referral and being housed, make connections with other services as needed, and remain engaged.

Key Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate intake and perform an individualized needs assessment for all clients to develop a Housing Service Plan. Provide on-going assessment of client’s progress and modify accordingly.
• Contact individuals experiencing homelessness daily or as required weekly, at all locations where they may congregate in the community.
• Provide transportation to the client for necessary services, including appointments and court proceedings, as required.
• Assist the clients with the housing application process, complete the necessary paperwork for supportive and subsidized housing, and survey the rental market for affordable housing options.
• Advocate for clients with prospective landlords and ensure that they complete a Coordinated Entry Assessment to be placed on the priority pool for potential housing opportunities.
• Attend monthly trainings offered by DHS and stakeholders or as needed.
• Document all interactions and communications within electronic systems.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of mental illness and the needs of people with mental illness. 
• Knowledge of social service and community programs available to assist people with serious and persistent mental illness.
• Knowledge of housing markets in service areas and barriers to accessing housing.
• Knowledge of the needs of people who have histories of homelessness and available resources.
• Ability to promote an inclusive, diverse, culturally competent, and respectful environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain receptive, open, and approachable lines of communication with clients and staff, and provide a friendly environment for visitors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including composing, proofreading, and editing.  
• Ability to work as a proactive and positive member of a team to deliver quality services. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of organization, personnel information, and client data.
• Ability to use sound judgment and maintain healthy professional boundaries. 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and set priorities.
• Proficiency with a variety of web-based software and databases, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions: 

• This position is based out of the Guild St. Paul office. However, the majority of work is in the field as services are provided to clients wherever needed.
• Travel may be required to other program sites.  
• Requires transporting clients in a personal vehicle regularly.
• This position has the potential to come into contact with bodily fluids, communicable diseases, tobacco smoke, and household pets.
• Prolonged periods at a desk, working on a computer.
• Manual dexterity for tasks such as taking notes, using technological devices for documentation, or assisting clients with certain activities if needed.
• Must be ambulatory and able to negotiate stairways.
• The ability to lift and carry heavy weights that could be up to 25 pounds.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field
• Minimum of one year working, or personal experience related to the homeless population and/or with coordinated entry systems.

Preferred:

• Experience in either a housing-related field or social services, working with households with multiple barriers, such as mental illness, substance use, and histories of trauma is preferred.
• Qualified as a mental health practitioner/case manager or case manager associate is preferred.

Additional Requirements: 

• Must not be actively receiving services from Guild and must not have received services within the last two years.
• A valid Class ‘D’ Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, satisfactory driving record and necessary insurance.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification is required.

Guild’s Employer Promise:

We know you do your best work when you feel supported and have the flexibility to meet all of life’s demands, no matter what those demands might be. Guild is an environment where your emotional, physical, and social wellbeing matters. A place where we’re motivated to care for each other and to work together to make a difference in the lives of our clients. We show up for our clients and we show up for each other. And Guild shows up for you. 

About Guild:

Guild is a Minnesota not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that empowers those living with mental illness and/or experiencing long-term homelessness by helping them find the tools they need to lead stable, fulfilling lives in communities of their choosing. 

Benefit Highlights:

Guild Services offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending, HSA, short and long-term disability; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; wellness hours; 403(b); life insurance; and more. Eligibility requirements and other terms and conditions apply. 

The salary range for this position is between $25 - $27.40 hourly. The range reflects the minimum and maximum salary for the position. Compensation will depend on the candidate’s professional experience, skills, and relevant education, training, and certifications.