Community Services-Street Outreach Worker

City of Denton•Denton, TX

About The Position

The Street Outreach Worker delivers Street Outreach services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness within the City of Denton. The position supports the City’s coordinated outreach efforts in collaboration with internal departments and community partners, including implementation of components of the City’s encampment response policy, inclement-weather outreach, Coordinated Entry assessments, and connections to resources and referrals. Work includes field-based engagement, limited housing-focused case management, and connecting individuals with housing, benefits, and supportive services to promote safety and housing readiness. The worker engages people in encampments, public spaces, streets, businesses, and other locations; provides basic needs, service triage, diversion/problem-solving, assessments, referrals, and transportation; and maintains a small caseload of unsheltered households. The position documents services in HMIS and other tracking systems, participates in team and partner meetings, and works in both office and outdoor environments. The job is safety-sensitive and may involve irregular or prolonged hours, weekends, overtime, or work outside normal business hours as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience in homeless services, outreach, peer support, case management, social work, or a related field; alternatively, a combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that enables successful performance of the essential functions.
Experience navigating safety situations and maintaining personal safety in uncontrolled situations.
Active listening, empathy, crisis-informed engagement, and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Basic problem-solving skills and ability to evaluate information and implement solutions.
Skill with applicable Microsoft Office 365 software systems.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities.
Ability to maintain emotional stability under stress and maintain confidentiality while complying with regulations.
Ability to navigate complex policy, process, and organizational dynamics; adapt to changing environments; and solve critical problems.
Ability to read, understand, and follow safety protocols.
Valid Class C driver’s license and required minimum state automobile liability insurance before employment; Texas Class C license and required insurance must be obtained within 90 days of hire if not already held.
Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, social security number verification, and physical examination.
Must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, providing basic needs, service triage, diversion/problem-solving conversations, Coordinated Entry assessments, and limited housing-focused case management.
Engage individuals in encampments, public spaces, streets, businesses, and other locations where people living unsheltered may be contacted; identify individuals appropriate for outreach services.
Conduct encampment report assessments, scheduled encampment visits, and noticing activities in alignment with City policy.
Provide emergency outreach and transportation support during inclement-weather events.
Build trust and rapport with unsheltered individuals and connect them with available resources toward a permanent housing solution.
Coordinate activities with City teams and departments, including the Police Department, Community Improvement Services, and the Crisis Intervention and Response Team.
Manage a small caseload of unsheltered households, meet regularly with participants, and develop tailored housing stability plans.
Provide transportation for services, appointments, intakes, and housing activities; assist with housing intakes, move-ins, and transition support.
Provide de-escalation, homeless diversion/problem-solving, and service triage; facilitate referrals or hospitalizations as appropriate.
Participate in team meetings, partner meetings, housing crisis response system activities, and other meetings supporting Community Services Department goals.
Enter participant data accurately and promptly into HMIS and other tracking systems; document outreach, assessments, interactions, referrals, service plans, incident reports, and evaluations in compliance with applicable laws, confidentiality standards, and regulations.
Maintain equipment in safe operating condition, perform preventive maintenance when appropriate, report needed repairs and unsafe conditions, and follow established safety procedures.