Outreach Worker

EPWORTH CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES INC • Normandy, MO

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach Worker identifies the needs of homeless, runaway, foster, and at-risk youth ages 11–24 and connects them with resources, crisis intervention, referrals, and tangible goods to meet basic needs. The position provides low-barrier, unconditional support that helps youth become self-sufficient, access safe housing and supportive services, navigate their communities, and thrive. The role is based at the Epworth Drop-In Center in Normandy, St. Louis, Missouri, and is full-time.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Class E driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Valid auto insurance.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth living on the street, agency staff, and community groups.
• Thorough knowledge of working with at-risk older youth, crisis intervention, resource sharing, and client needs.
• Ability to use strength-based, therapeutic crisis intervention methods with adolescents.
• Ability to read, interpret, and implement agency and program documents.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues, community partners, and families.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and ETO database software.
• Ability to adhere to agency rules, policies, and procedures, including those related to attendance, workplace safety, conduct, social media, training, and confidentiality.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and climb stairs regularly, and lift up to 25 pounds; occasional pulling and/or pushing is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with runaway, homeless, and street youth and/or youth with emotional and behavioral issues is preferred.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis area, streets, and neighborhoods is highly recommended.
• Completion of at least 60 hours of college training with major coursework in social sciences or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete intakes and conduct individual assessments with youth accessing street outreach services.
• Monitor and oversee youth at the Drop-In Center, helping them access laundry, food preparation, shower facilities, and basic-needs supplies.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources and connect participants to employment, education, medical, mental health, and basic-needs resources.
• Connect and transport youth to shelter, housing resources, and other appropriate resources as needed.
• Plan and facilitate Drop-In Center events and help develop a monthly activity calendar.
• Collaborate with volunteers and community partners to provide resources and support to youth accessing services.
• Deliver presentations in the community.
• Conduct street outreach shifts and identify places where homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth congregate.
• Maintain timely and accurate service records and participant outcome data in Effort to Outcomes (ETO) and other required database systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance eligibility on date of hire
• Dental insurance eligibility on date of hire
• Vision insurance eligibility on date of hire
• Life insurance eligibility on date of hire
• Disability insurance eligibility on date of hire
• 401(k) with employer match
• 10 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Generous paid time off on date of hire, with additional hours after 90 days
• Extended illness leave

What This Job Offers

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