Outreach Worker

Tri-County Community Action Agency•South Boston, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach and Emergency Services Worker provides a broad range of services such as conducting outreach activities, screening customers seeking services, determining eligibility, identifying community resources, and providing advocacy and emergency services. Services are generally rendered to programs that include the Housing Solution programs, Emergency services, Weatherization services, and other special projects.

Requirements

Possess a valid driver’s license.
Outstanding computer skills and conducting client-related research.
High level of professionalism.
Knowledge of outreach methods, assessment techniques, and interviewing skills.
Broad range of social service and/or administrative aptitude.
Good judgement and decision-making skills.
Demonstrate knowledge and commitment to advocate for low-income families.
Possess a thorough understanding and empathy for people in need.

Responsibilities

Perform intake services for clients seeking assistance; orient clients to and assist with a core set of self-service resources; perform initial customer screening including suitability and eligibility; provide program information; and conduct group and individual orientation.
Enroll program participants in workshops, community meetings, and other activities that promote self-sufficiency, skills development, and involvement in community enhancement projects.
Enter participant information into the Agency’s data system including eligibility, assessment information, referral data, data tracking, case management summaries, surveys, and other data as assigned.
Respond to participant requests for assistance by assessing service needs and providing direct intervention, information, and referral services as appropriate. Follow-up on referrals to assess outcomes and provide additional services as required.
Provide participant advocacy services to assist participants in receiving needed services and to develop additional resources for services.
Coordinate with other internal and external staff and programs that create opportunities for participants to achieve self-sufficiency.
Maintain close professional relationships and liaisons with local service organizations in the target area. Make presentations regarding the services of assigned programs to ensure that appropriate referrals are made to programs, respond to Agency inquiries concerning services to the low-to-moderate income population, and attend workshops and conferences to be knowledgeable of services.
Develop and maintain a resource file of available social service agencies and assistance providers in the target area for referrals.
Use appropriate technology tools to accomplish job functions; understand and utilize available technology as customer service, communication, and data gathering tools.
Maintain files and records of individuals served, services provided, outreach activities conducted, surveys completed, and other general reporting as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Utilize the housing first assistance approach that will offer permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible.
Provide supportive services and wrap around case management.
Connect homeless individuals/families to community-based supports that are needed to sustain housing thus avoiding returning to homelessness.
Ensure that all services are Voluntary.