OUTREACH WORKER (C) (Grant Funded)

City of Riverside•Riverside, CA

About The Position

The City of Riverside is hiring multiple Outreach Workers in the Housing and Human Services Department. Under general supervision, the Outreach Worker conducts mobile outreach and provides intake and assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, resource referral, and case management to homeless individuals and families in the City of Riverside. Work may take place on the streets, at service venues, and in other locations, or involve a pre-selected caseload of Project BRIDGE Grant Program applicants and/or recipients. One vacancy is grant-funded and is contingent on adequate funding; if funding is cancelled and alternate grant funds are not secured, that position will be eliminated. The eligibility list may be used for current or upcoming vacancies in this classification for up to six months. Depending on assignment, the Outreach Worker supports participants with assessments, treatment, training, and services; conducts home visits; advocates for housing and social services; helps participants set goals and address barriers; and maintains records and reports. When assigned to homeless outreach, the worker conducts street and community outreach, screens and assesses participants, supports case management goals and housing placement, responds to community concerns, builds liaison relationships, and assists with community education on homelessness. The position requires a valid Class C California driver's license, reliable transportation, and availability to work evenings and weekends and at various community locations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of full-time experience working with homeless people or community groups in a social-service-oriented program. Qualifying education may substitute for one year of the experience requirement if it includes major coursework in social science, psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human service, economics, or other behavioral sciences.
Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Reliable transportation.
Availability to work evenings and weekends and to provide services at multiple locations, including community parks and recreation centers, School District campuses, and other locations as required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.
Customer service experience in a social service setting.

Responsibilities

Review participant cases and develop plans for educational and psychosocial assessments and treatments, work skills training, parenting classes, anger management workshops, diversity training, and/or substance abuse treatment.
Conduct home visits to assist participants, answer questions, assess needs, and explain available services to participants and family members.
Advocate for participants seeking housing and social services, and encourage and support them in obtaining and following through with services.
Help participants develop short- and long-term personal goals, provide supportive counseling, and assist them in recognizing and addressing conditions contributing to their problems.
Instruct participants in appropriate social and life skills.
Transport participants as needed.
Participate in community activities and projects.
Maintain participant records, document contacts, prepare correspondence, and write reports on client status and progress.
Serve as an interpreter for non-English-speaking family members when qualified.
Act as a liaison among participants, the City of Riverside, agencies, organizations, individuals, and community groups.
Maintain effective working relationships with participants, family members, project staff, and collaborating agencies.
When assigned to homeless outreach, conduct mobile outreach to homeless people on streets, at social service venues, and at other locations where they are found.
Screen homeless individuals and conduct intake and assessment interviews, including review of medical and mental health history, to identify service and housing needs and make appropriate referrals.
Help participants establish case management goals and strategies to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and obtain permanent housing.
Advocate for participants seeking social services, mainstream benefits, and housing opportunities, and support them in following through with services.
Establish and maintain liaison relationships with City staff, community organizations, law enforcement, public and private agencies, business owners and operators, and the general public.
Respond to community complaints and general requests for information and services related to homelessness.
Participate in program-related coalitions, meetings, partnerships, community activities, and projects.
Assist with community education and outreach on homeless issues.