Organization: Project Homeless Connect Washington County
Position: Outreach Worker
Status: Full Time Employee
Reports To: Program Manager
Compensation: $22-$27/hr (Sunday - Thursday)
Benefits: 80 hrs PTO, 40 hrs Paid Sick Time, Simple IRA w/3% match. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life
Insurance. (Employee only), Bi-lingual incentive, gym membership reimbursement.
Location: Shelter Site
Position Closes: Open Until Filled
Project Homeless Connect Washington County (PHC), a nonprofit serving those experiencing homelessness in Washington County, is seeking an individual passionate about serving the vulnerable in our community to join our team as our Outreach worker. PHC serves the community of Washington County by providing a multifaceted approach towards serving those affected by homelessness. Our vision is to cooperatively develop a high quality, fully integrated system of services and support that responds to the needs of those struggling in our community. Our success depends on knowing everyone as individuals and meeting them where they are at. We know there are many complex reasons someone may be experiencing homelessness. We look to reduce the stress they endure and provide basic needs, and services through a variety of programs. We operate an Access Center, Housing Case Management team, Outreach Team, Temporary Emergency Shelters, and coordinate collaborative One Day Events that provide critical services.
Why Work With us? PHC encompasses our values of Passion, Humanity, Connection, Wellness, and Collaboration in how we serve our guests, and our staff. Our staff are driven by their passion to make a meaningful impact in our community. We strive to foster an environment of inclusiveness, and support staff in their strengths. We value an open, transparent environment and welcome contributions from each staff member. Project Homeless Connect has an organizational commitment to equity and inclusion, and to ensure that programs and staff culture are equitable in both access and outcomes regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, culture, language, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or family status. Project Homeless Connect is committed to pursuing effective strategies and devoting dedicated time and resources at every level of the organization to address disparities based on identity and to apply an equity lens to all decisions, programs, and policies.
Position Overview: Our Street Outreach team is devoted to aiding individuals currently without shelter, fostering meaningful connections with those experiencing homelessness to build the trust necessary for accessing vital resources. The Outreach staff at Project Homeless Connect embody our core values and mission in every interaction with those facing unstable housing, prioritizing the cultivation of mutual relationships, trust, and support to empower individuals. Working directly within the community, our outreach position involves connecting with unhoused individuals in various locations such as encampments, cars, or other unsheltered settings. Beyond providing essential necessities, our dedicated staff focuses on establishing trust and facilitating access to crucial resources, guiding individuals towards stability.
Primary Responsibilities and Requirements:
- Provide direct outreach services to people experiencing homelessness in Washington County.
- Build rapport with the homeless community, find out needs, case plan and refer them to community resources.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, police, libraries, parks departments, schools, social service agencies, businesses, and neighborhood organizations.
- Emphasize a strength-based approach as Project Homeless Connect supports homeless individuals in their efforts to move into stability.
- Accurately document all services as required by program procedures. Maintain and update all necessary databases for tracking progress, program objectives and outcomes, and contractual and licensing requirements. Produce timely and accurate summaries of services for grant reports.
- Work closely with other Outreach Workers to maintain safety protocols while conducting outreach activities.
- Experience building trusted relationships and collaborative efforts with diverse individuals and organizations.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness; outreach and local Washington County social service knowledge is a plus.
- Demonstrated knowledge of population including knowledge of outreach, needs, services and systems of care.
- Self-motivated and work well in unstructured, sometimes chaotic, team environment, critical thinking skills to make sound decisions independently.
- Strong commitment to "meeting individuals where they are".
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to collaborate with partners outside of the agency.
- Ability to interact appropriately with people from diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, and varying cultural groups.
- Strong commitment to equity and anti-racist practices.
- A valid driver's license is required with no flexibility.
- Ability to work a substantial number of hours outdoors, and moving from place to place.
- Familiarity with computers and basic software use is required. Ability to work with or learn computer data entry programs and familiarity with Office Suite software.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Core Responsibilities:
Street-Based Engagement & Outreach:
- Conduct proactive, scheduled outreach in assigned service areas.
- Operate as part of a two-person team; solo outreach is not permitted.
- Engage with participants in encampments, public spaces, and other unsheltered settings.
- Build trusting relationships with participants through consistent, compassionate contact.
- Provide participants with information and warm handoffs to appropriate services.
Assessment & Referral:
- Complete Community Connect assessments to connect participants to housing and service programs within the Continuum of Care.
- Maintain regular contact with participants and support them in gathering necessary documentation to expedite housing placement.
- Ensure individuals are linked to case management, shelter, mental health services, and other community-based supports.
HMIS Data Entry & Documentation:
- Accurately document participant engagement, assessments, referrals, and service transactions in HMIS.
- Complete all data entry within 3 business days of contact or enrollment.
- Maintain up-to-date, complete HMIS records to support prioritization and coordination across systems.
- Document at least two service transactions per month for each household enrolled for 14+ days.
Inclement Weather Sheltering (IWS) Participation:
- Participation in IWS is required. Outreach staff must be flexible and available for evening and weekend outreach during activations.
- Attend daily IWS briefings, stay informed about current shelter availability, and relay accurate information to participants.
- Maintain staffing coverage and communicate outreach plans for IWS activation in a timely manner.
Safety & Team Communication:
- Follow field safety protocols, including critical incident communication and proper use of equipment.
- Ensure appropriate clothing and gear are used while conducting fieldwork.
- Participate in regular team check-ins and coordination meetings.
Required Trainings (to be completed within 60 days of hire):
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis and Conflict De-escalation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
- HMIS system training relevant to the Street Outreach program
- Additional trainings as required
Experience Preferred:
- An understanding of the unique needs and struggles of individuals with high barriers to employment and housing.
- Certified Peer Support Specialist Mental Health and Addiction
- Knowledge of local resources
- A preference may be given to speakers of two or more languages.
· Knowledge, experience, or training in mental health work, crisis de-escalation, conflict resolution, and/or providing trauma-informed care.
To Apply:
● A chronological resume without a personal photo
● A cover letter that states your background, skills, and abilities to align with this position.
Thank you for exploring an opportunity to be employed with us!
PHC values diversity in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
