Street Outreach Worker

Street Outreach Worker

ABOUT HOMEWARD PIKES PEAK (HPP)

The mission of HPP is to work with individuals and families in our community to achieve their full potential through supportive housing and recovery services, to rebuild dignity & self-sufficiency, and permanently exit homelessness. Our efforts focus on overcoming the barriers to developing and maintaining stable housing and sober living. To do this, we adhere to commonly held social work values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the whole person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. We believe that these values infuse the work of HPP and are a guidepost to which our staff and partners should aspire.

SUMMARY

The Street Outreach Worker seeks to support individuals experiencing homelessness and/or living with a mental illness, substance abuse or all three. Outreach Workers perform within a harm reduction and person-centered model. All duties are performed with a multidisciplinary and multiagency team approach for those sheltered in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, encampments and on the streets. Street outreach utilizes a person-centered approach, focused on the individual’s strengths and resources, and never makes assumptions about what a person might need or want. The Outreach Team collaborates with city, fire and police, and other community-based agencies; this position will focus primarily on the Downtown Pilot “Clean & Safe” program. Our Street Outreach team does not require individuals to enter emergency shelter or transitional housing as an interim step or prerequisite to accessing stable housing. However, street outreach does make immediate connections to emergency shelter or temporary housing to provide safe options while individuals and families are on a pathway toward stability.

This is a full-time position that reports to the Lead Street Outreach Worker. This position is authorized to work 40 hours per week with Saturday shifts required. Adjustments in daily assignments and schedules will be made with the Street Outreach Program Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support individuals experiencing homelessness and living in the community through activities such as:

-- one-on-one contact with individuals on the streets and in emergency shelters;

-- advocating on behalf of clients and/or supporting them to advocate for themselves;

-- collaboration and coordination of services with appropriate community agencies.

• Provide resources and referrals to individuals experiencing homelessness and living in the community by liaising with community agencies and consulting with the Clinical Services and Homeward Pikes Peak housing team, and potentially with other community organizations as a part of the Continuum of Care.
• Conduct the housing survey/VI-SPDAT as needed and record all encounters of people engaged in referrals, resource navigation and general information sharing.
• Work with the CSPD HOT team (Colorado Springs Police Department Homeless Outreach Team) to support team outreach in community-based resource centers such as the Springs Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, Pikes Peak Library District, and in public spaces.
• Support the Lead Street Outreach worker with managing and maintaining an application interface that assists with outreach efforts, and effectively triage reported activities and requests. Work with community partners to develop and increase utilization efficiency.
• Work with the Pikes Peak Coordinated Entry system to connect individuals selected for housing and the referring agency. Assist these clients to complete paperwork, obtain identification and prepare for housing applications.
• Assist individuals seeking housing in acquiring resources, identification, completing applications, navigate housing options, connect with case managers and transition successfully into permanent housing. Utilizing temporary lodging in hotels if available with grants funds, diversion programs and /or utilizing partnerships.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with HPP staff and community partners to identify and improve processes that enhance services and outcomes for clients.
• Maintain electronic records, reports, and statistics necessary for program management and evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned.

HOMEWARD PIKES PEAK TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Attend and/or participate or interact with donors, attend community events, or fundraising as requested.
• Integrate with the overall organization and collaborate with the community.
• Produce documentation timely as requested for audits and audit resolutions.
• Maintain office environment to professional standards and display abundant teaming skills.
• Consistently display, adhere to, and promote the company’s values.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Ability to be flexible and empathetic.
• Understanding of trauma informed approaches.
• Proficiency in general computer skills and Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; and word processing, spreadsheets, CRM databases, and other case management platforms.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 lbs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Counseling is strongly preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness through outreach, case management, or counseling is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience working with electronic database applications.
• Understanding of HIPAA regulations and standards regarding privacy and confidentiality in the provision of therapy services and medical billing.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, ability to communicate effectively, crisis intervention, and harm reduction.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license, clean driving record, and must carry personal vehicle insurance.
• The ability to ride a bicycle outdoors to perform outreach is preferred.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in social work or counseling preferred.
• Certifications such as QBHA (Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant), CAT (Certified Addiction Technician), or CAS (Certified Addiction Specialist) are preferred.
• LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) is preferred.
• Experience, competence, and sensitivity in working with persons who are homeless, especially those who have difficulty engaging in treatment, suffer from mental illness substance addiction or are otherwise impaired, is preferred.
• Experience with database tools and HMIS preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 frequently required to walk outside in all weather, carry a fully packed backpack, sit at a desk or conference table; and talk or hear when interacting with various individuals and groups both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the Street Outreach Team utilizes bicycles to navigate trails and encampments outside. The employee is occasionally required to stand while conversing with various individuals; and walk throughout the office, rough terrain, public parks and to/from vehicles and trails/wooded areas. The employee occasionally is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel to operate the computer, tablet, or telephone; may be required to stoop, kneel, or crouch to communicate with clients and to place items in or get items from low drawers or shelves. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, which is generally outreach supplies such as snacks, bottled water, full backpack and may include small supply items occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 may be exposed to airborne viruses, bacteria, or other bodily pathogens carried by persons living outdoors. The employee is routinely exposed to outside weather conditions (some extreme) that include rain, hail, snow, and fumes or airborne particles when performing street outreach. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet while in a private office to loud while driving, attending a large client event, or outdoor camping areas.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

Homeward Pikes Peak offers the following benefits for those eligible (primarily full-time employees):

• Medical, Dental & Vision – employer pays 55% of premium
• Life, accidental death and dismemberment, and short term disability insurance – employer pays 100%
• 401k – employer match is 2%
• 18 days of vacation for years 0-5 accruing annually
• 6 days of paid sick leave accruing annually
• 6 paid holidays + 4 floating holidays
• Employee Assistance Plan – employer pays 100%

The pay for this position is $22 - $23 per hour. This is a full-time position authorized to work 40 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply through Indeed, or submit resume and cover letter to: amelbourne@homewardpikespeak.org, with Street Outreach in the subject line.

Homeward Pikes Peak is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Homeward Pikes Peak makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position will have a schedule of Mon-Fri, or Tues-Saturday. Are you OK with this? Which do you prefer?
• This position will often work outside in the community. Are you ok with this?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person