Outreach Case Worker & Client Advocate

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe•Auburn, WA

About The Position

The Outreach Case Worker and Client Advocate position provides support and case management services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This role focuses on building trusting relationships with unsheltered individuals, assessing needs, and connecting clients to housing, healthcare, benefits, and other supportive services. The Outreach Case Worker acts as a bridge between clients and available resources, advocating for their rights and helping them navigate complex systems.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience providing direct services, case management, or advocacy to vulnerable populations.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Crisis intervention and de-escalation
Advocacy and mediation
Organization and time management
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Collaboration and teamwork
Ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries
Work independently in field environments
Adapt to changing circumstances
Analyze and record data
Maintain composure under stress
Motivate and empower clients
Knowledge of case management practices
Knowledge of homelessness and housing systems
Knowledge of Tribal resources and social services
Knowledge of trauma informed and person centered approaches
Knowledge of cultural sensitivity
This role requires extensive physical activity, including standing, bending, and lifting weights up to 25 pounds.
Must be able to walk, stand, and move around for extended periods during outreach activities, sometimes in varying weather conditions.
Work performed both in office and outdoor environments, including shelters, encampments, and public spaces.
Additionally, must have sufficient vision to read printed materials, electronic screens, forms, and handwritten notes.
Also, the ability to manage stress, remain calm in crisis situations, and maintain professionalism when working with individuals experiencing trauma, substance use, or mental health challenges.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
1–3 years of experience providing direct services, case management, or advocacy to vulnerable populations.
Experience conducting outreach or community-based work with unsheltered individuals.

Responsibilities

Engage with unsheltered individuals in encampments, public spaces, shelters, and community settings to build trust and offer support.
Perform a comprehensive needs assessment; evaluate clients’ housing, health, income, and social service needs to develop individualized service plans.
Support clients in navigating systems such as housing programs, tribal benefits, and healthcare, while advocating for fair treatment and inclusion.
Respond to emergencies with empathy and de-escalation skills, ensuring client and staff safety while connecting to appropriate services.
Record client interactions, service plans, and progress notes in case management databases according to program and funding requirements.
Encourage clients to identify personal goals, build life skills, and take active roles in their own service plans.
Maintain confidentiality, demonstrate cultural humility, and provide services using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches.
Conduct follow-up activities to support clients after housing placement or program enrollment to promote stability and prevent a return to homelessness.
Participate in team meetings to share updates and coordinate strategies to improve service delivery and client outcomes as needed.
Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.