This position focuses on the mobile outreach, engagement of people at-risk for homelessness in local hot-spot areas, and case management services. This role will encounter potentially homeless individuals and assess the needs of this individual. The employee will complete proper paperwork and intake assessments and also utilize the homeless data management system while accessing proper services for clients.
Interact with all clients, staff and community members with respect and courtesy.
Ensure that the hotline phone is always charged and that the voicemail is able to accept incoming messages. Guarantee that emergency calls are promptly answered and addressed, and that all other calls are returned within 24 hours.
Follow a routine schedule set by the Outreach Team Manager and perform mobile outreach daily at local hot spot locations. Interact with and then assess potentially homeless individuals encountered during outreach. Demonstrate knowledge and professionalism during all encounters.
Rapidly respond to the emergent needs reported by unsheltered individuals and determine their eligibility for program. Coordinate with local agencies and programs to place clients into the appropriate setting.
Perform assessments and complete proper paperwork. Provide the Outreach Team Manager with completed files each day.
Provide full scope case management while assessing social determinant of health needs while appropriately referring to community based agencies and tracking findings to report to Outreach Team Manager.
Assist Outreach Team Manager with tracking trends, needs, and other data collection and/or evaluation needs on a weekly basis.
Assist clients in setting goals, accessing community based resources, obtaining identification, income and housing, and fulfilling their day-to-day activities and responsibilities. Report client progress updates.
Inform VOAPA immediately of any emerging potential hot spot areas, changes in trends among the unsheltered, the imminent needs of the encampments, etc.
Communicate with law enforcement to ensure safety for clients, and all involved.
Communicate professionally with community agencies, community partners, and general population. Develop working relationships with agencies and area community resources to increase client referral options.
Lead interns and volunteers in the field and ensure volunteer hours are documented.
Clock in and out daily and ensure that correct working hours are submitted to supervisor.
Perform other duties as needed.
Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, hear, and smell.
Must be able to withstand being outside in all weather conditions.
Regularly lift and move up to 50 lbs.
Ability to identify and/or distinguish colors.
Ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while remain fixed on a given point.
The employee in this position must possess an Associate’s Degree related to the human services field or at least (1) year experience in the field of social services. Possession of a valid PA driver’s license required. The employee must possess a strong ability to make immediate decisions when faced with crisis or unusual situations. The employee must have working knowledge of computer software, specifically Microsoft Office; including Outlook, Excel, and Word, as well as effective written and verbal communication skills.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania’s (VOAPA) ministry of service is to empower vulnerable communities, families, and individuals through support and resources that lead to health and stability. We use evidence-based, data-driven information to develop community-based, contextualized, holistic, and empowering interventions. Our core values are: Person-Centered; Empowering; Community-Based; Responsive. VOAPA has regional offices located in Northeast, Lehigh Valley, Central, and Southwest Pennsylvania Communities.
