Job Title

Homeless Outreach Worker

Reports to

Outreach Manager

FLSA/Wage

Non-Exempt/$20.19-$21.41 per hour

Original Date:

December 2018

Revised:

January 2023

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for providing street outreach to individuals who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Outreach responsibilities include: engaging in basic conversation, assessing an individual’s needs, discussing available services including housing and disability assistance, providing informal one-on-one care, making referrals to other service providers or agencies and engaging in other activities that may promote recovery or stability for the individual; offer assessment and recovery services for persons with co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance use disorders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Davidson County to assist in obtaining housing, income, insurance, and mainstream services.
• Canvassing mapped areas of Davidson County consistently to locate and engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the streets and in encampments.

• Engaging people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to reduce the risk of harm and to enhance safety (e.g. increasing access to cold weather gear, crisis services, etc.)

• Attempting to engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in a manner that promotes trust, safety, and autonomy, while developing relevant goals.

• Guiding people to achieve and maintain positive change. Reinforcing healthy behaviors and supporting skill-building and the development of needed supports.

• Interviewing people experiencing homelessness to gather needed information and documentation for housing and services including the VI-SPDAT, universal data elements for HMIS and other required HMIS data elements for Coordinated Entry and ESG/ESG-THDA/SAMHSA program specific data.

• Establishes rapport with individuals who are experiencing homelessness and gathers information to serve them better. Trust building activities like meeting the client where they are—from campsites to community feedings—is emphasized.

• Is trained in Nashville’s Coordinated Entry system and advocates for members to be referred to Rapid Rehousing and Section 8 during the Individual Care Coordination Meetings.

• Part of the Street Medicine rotation as needed.

• Linking people experiencing homelessness to mainstream services like housing navigation, healthcare, SNAP, SOAR services, etc.

• Values cultural competence and diversity
• Collaborates with staff, members, and the community to gain the perspectives of others having diverse opinions, abilities, values, beliefs, perspectives, and ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

• Takes deliberate steps to increase own cultural competency by attending trainings, events, discussions, workshops, etc.

• Other duties
• Attends local community meetings regarding homeless services and advocacy including Outreach meetings, Nashville Coalition for the Homeless meetings, Coordinated Entry System Care Coordination meetings, etc.

• Participates in other Park Center agency activities such as special events and working designated holidays, including Thanksgiving or Christmas, as scheduled.
• Participates in annual Point in Time Count which involves working overnight to take a census of the local homeless population.

• Adheres to all program policies and procedures.

• Will be cross-trained in other job duties, such as SOAR and housing navigation, to act as a support person to co-workers on the outreach team.

• Completes all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field; or equivalent experience in social services field; or deep understanding and appreciation for how social inequities impact health and housing outcomes.
• Preferred 1-year prior experience in serving individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use and or homelessness, preferably in Nashville.
• Strong ability to work within a team with flexibility to help with coverage.
• Strong time management skills and ability to independently meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to foster partnerships with other providers.
• Ability to work in a professional and ethical manner.
• Must have proven written and verbal communication skills and computer literacy.
• Must have a valid drivers’ license
• Must be able to show proof of personal automobile insurance.
• Must be insurable under Park Center's automobile insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Will primarily work remotely but will have a desk, workstation, cell phone, and a shared office
• Able to operate with many distractions
• Hybrid office environment
• Commitment to consistent communication with teammates and supervisors regarding location while in the field, in case of emergency, or to ask for assistance
• Spends considerable amount of time “in the field,” including on the streets, in homeless camps, and at other community agencies and where individuals experiencing homelessness congregate.
• Able to use vehicle to transport clients
• Unpredictable and potentially unsafe work environments when “in the field,” i.e. in homeless camps
• Supportive team environment and safety policies designed to limit risk exposure
• In the event of a public health crisis, certain precautions and personal protective equipment may be employed and required for the safety of staff and members

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Able to move or lift to ten pounds
• Able to climb inclines such as under bridges
• Able to walk on unsteady ground such as in the woods to reach encampments
• Assists provide coverage to outreach workers.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

DIRECT REPORTS

None

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. Park Center reserves the right to revise or change job tasks and responsibilities.

The Staff Member’s signature below constitutes understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.19 - $21.41 per hour

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