Homeless Outreach Worker

Park Center Inc.•Nashville, TN

3d•$22 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for providing street outreach to individuals who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Outreach responsibilities include meeting members in the field, engaging in basic conversation while assessing individual needs, providing informal one-on-one care, discussing available services such as housing and disability assistance, and mental health and substance use treatment. The role also involves making referrals to other service providers or agencies, engaging in activities that promote recovery or stability, and offering assessment and recovery services for persons with co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance use disorders.

Requirements

Minimum 1-year prior experience navigating or working in the social services, homelessness, or mental health and substance use field.
Eager to learn
Committed to customer service
Ability to receive constructive feedback and incorporate feedback into practice
Demonstrate commitment to org mission and values
Deep understanding and appreciation for how social inequities impact health and housing outcomes.
Strong ability to work within a team with flexibility to help with coverage.
Strong time management skills and ability to independently meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills and ability to foster partnerships with other providers.
Ability to work in a professional and ethical manner.
Must have proven written and verbal communication skills and computer literacy.
Must have a valid drivers’ license
Must be able to show proof of personal automobile insurance.
Must be insurable under Park Center's automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field preferred; or equivalent experience in social services field (ex. Peer Support Certification and experience).
Experience as team lead in prior roles or leadership positions preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Davidson County to assist in obtaining housing, income, insurance, and mainstream services.
Canvass mapped areas of Davidson County consistently to locate and engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the streets and in encampments.
Engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to reduce the risk of harm and to enhance safety (e.g., increasing access to cold weather gear, crisis services, etc.).
Engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in a manner that promotes trust, safety, and autonomy, while developing relevant goals.
Guide people to achieve and maintain positive change, reinforcing healthy behaviors and supporting skill-building and the development of needed support.
Interview people experiencing homelessness to gather needed information and documentation for housing and services including the VI-SPDAT, universal data elements for HMIS and other required HMIS data elements for Coordinated Entry and any grant specified requirements.
Establish rapport with individuals who are experiencing homelessness and gather information to serve them better, with trust-building activities like meeting the client where they are emphasized.
Assist members in obtaining identifying documentation such as a social security card, birth certificate, and state ID or driver’s license.
Assist all appropriate members through the housing application process, being trained in housing navigation through Nashville’s Coordinated Entry System.
Link people experiencing homelessness to mainstream services like housing navigation, healthcare, SNAP, SOAR services, etc.
Value cultural competence and diversity by collaborating with staff, members, and the community to gain diverse perspectives and taking deliberate steps to increase personal cultural competency.
Attend local community meetings regarding homeless services and advocacy.
Participate in other Park Center agency activities such as special events and working designated holidays.
Participate in the annual Point in Time Count, which involves working overnight to take a census of the local homeless population.
Adhere to all program policies and procedures.
Complete documentation of each member encounter within 3 business days of the encounter.
Be cross-trained in other job duties, such as SOAR and housing navigation, to act as a support person to co-workers on the outreach team.
Complete all other duties as assigned.