Outreach Worker (HSC)

Position Summary:

The Outreach Worker provides customer services when the day program is open. This individual also does active Outreach within the community. The Day/Outreach Worker seeks out homeless people in Arlington County and provides emergency services and as part of a team.

The Day/Outreach Worker will interact with clients, members of the public, security personnel deployed to the center and other service providers.

Candidates must have availability to work Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm, AND early morning/weekends. This position will work two early mornings a month, Tuesdays from 4 am - 12 pm and two weekends a month, Saturday/Sunday 8 am - 4 pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively seek out and work with homeless persons throughout Arlington County initiating the process of engagement to support additional services. Build trust and rapport by offering emergency assistance such as food, clothing, sleeping bags, and shower vouchers.
• First point of contact for many clients and community members, must maintain a friendly, courteous attitude and have good communications skills, both in person and by telephone.
• Participate in Outreach programs at local churches or other organizations, Homeless Bagged Meal Program, and street homeless calls.
• Participate in planning of community room policies and direct operation of the community room to ensure effective and efficient client service delivery.
• Under the direction of the program Director, ensure effective and efficient client services delivery during walk-in hours, assist clients in accessing available services.
  • Inform individuals of all available services offered at the Day/Outreach Program.
  • Assist persons in crisis to ensure safety.
  • Receive and record donations – (provide donation slips to donors for tax purposes)
  • Maintain a daily log of client contacts and services.
  • Provide an outreach response to calls from members of the community including religious institutions, citizens, and businesses regarding sightings of homeless individuals to the Assistant Director, Day/ Outreach Programs.
  • Ensure safety of clients and staff in fire and other emergencies.
  • Ensure clients compliance with agency policy and rules.
  • Assist clients within limits in processing issues and problem-solving.
  • Check for contraband in facility through general observation, room, or package/purse.
  • Conduct periodic inspections of the facility and grounds through periodic rounds and CCTV monitoring to ensure security of facility.
  • Enforce periodic fire drills and perform other safety duties as directed to ensure safety of clients, including implementing emergency evacuation protocol.
  • Answer telephone and route calls or messages to appropriate staff. Respond to in-person and telephone inquiries from the public.
  • Receive, account for, and secure all donations received during the shift, as well as provide donation receipts to donors upon request.
  • Provide daily facility oversight for such items as ordering of supplies (in liaison with the Assistant Director, Day/ Outreach Programs).
  • Receive deliveries and incoming mail and distribute accordingly.
  • Reports needed repairs and pertinent items in relation to the facility that may affect services at Day Program to Facilities Maintenance at ext. 4422 and the Assistant Director, Day/ Outreach Programs.
  • Maintain cleanliness of Dinning Area, Lobby, Front desk, and Client Restrooms.
• Perform informal intake assessments to determine individuals’ social and economic needs, noting observations on possible mental health and substance abuse issues through the administration of the VI-SPDAT as well as other engagement tools.

• Complete an intake for each client who enters Day/Outreach Program and street homeless in accordance with the CAS System in HMIS.
• Coordinate all efforts towards housing (Day/Outreach clients) in collaboration with DHS and community partners, and Case Manager.
• Coordinate all services and resources available to homeless individuals such as:
  • accessing available services
  • Identity documents
  • benefits
  • health services
• Work as part of a team, meeting regularly to share information, strategies, mutual support, and ideas with a primary goal to address the long-term needs of homeless individuals including access to permanent housing.
• Provide direct program support to clients and work collaboratively with Case Managers to help ensure that clients acquire skills to end homelessness. Maintain contact to provide encouragement, information, and referrals relevant to the person’s needs including bi-lingual material when needed.
• As clients are engaged, partner with Day/Outreach Case Manager for assistance in accessing needed services including treatment for medical, mental health and substance abuse issues as well as social service, housing/shelter, and employment services.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times.
• Adhere to NASW Code of Ethics.
• Light cleaning duties as assigned.
• All other duties and projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bi-lingual in Spanish and English with the ability to converse proficiently both verbally and in writing.
• Possess patience, persistence, and concern for the welfare and potential rehabilitation of each homeless individual.
• Committed to diversity,
• Ability to maintain accurate records and client confidentiality.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience and Education Requirements

• BSW or similar degree demonstrating education in human service issues or a combination of education and direct work experience.
• Experience working with homeless population or persons and working in multi-cultural settings.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Works primarily in a sedentary environment, utilizing various means of technology.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.