Community Health Worker

City of St. Joseph • Saint Joseph, MO

24d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health & Homeless Outreach Community Health Worker (CHW) supports the St. Joseph Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Officer by providing direct outreach, case management, and service coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or co-occurring needs. This position serves as a bridge between law enforcement, social service agencies, local businesses, and the community. The CHW will also manage a caseload for the Community Cares Court and act as a resource for businesses seeking guidance on homelessness-related concerns. This role is designed for a compassionate, community-minded professional who can build trust, navigate complex systems, and help individuals access the services they need to stabilize and thrive.

Requirements

• Experience in social services, behavioral health, outreach work, or related fields.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with diverse populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement, courts, and service providers.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the city.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with trauma informed care, harm reduction, and deescalation techniques.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field preferred.
• Certification as a Community Health Worker or willingness to obtain certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Assist the Homeless Liaison Officer during welfare checks, crisis calls, and non-emergency interactions.
• Establish rapport with vulnerable individuals to encourage voluntary service participation.
• Develop individualized service plans addressing housing, mental health, substance use, employment, and basic needs.
• Connect clients to local providers, including shelters, behavioral health services, medical care, and benefits programs.
• Manage a caseload of court-involved individuals, track progress, prepare updates, and coordinate with court staff.
• Maintain accurate, timely records in accordance with department and court requirements.
• Serve as a point of contact for local businesses seeking guidance on homelessness-related concerns.
• Provide information on de-escalation, available resources, and best practices for interacting with individuals in crisis.
• Work with nonprofits, healthcare providers, faith-based groups, and city departments to coordinate services.
• Collect and analyze outreach and case management data to identify trends and improve service delivery.
• Assist in developing outreach strategies, community initiatives, and partnerships that enhance the city’s response to homelessness.
• Participate in community meetings, task forces, and public education efforts.
• Performs all other assigned duties which support the overall objective of the position and/or department mission.
• Attends related training and meetings.
• Maintains a professional relationship with the public, outside agencies and co-workers.
• Maintains a positive attitude and promotes a team environment.

Benefits

• Operates a variety of equipment used in the daily operation of the police department. Such equipment includes telephone system, fax, phone, printers, shredder, and computers.
• There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED