Outreach Worker, Full-time

About the Role: The Outreach Worker plays a critical role in connecting underserved and vulnerable populations with essential community resources and support services. This position involves engaging directly with individuals and groups in various settings to assess needs, provide information, and facilitate access to healthcare, housing, employment, and social services. The Outreach Worker acts as a trusted liaison between clients and service providers, advocating for client needs and helping to overcome barriers to service utilization. Success in this role requires building strong relationships within the community and collaborating with local organizations to develop effective outreach strategies. Ultimately, the Outreach Worker contributes to improving the well-being and quality of life for individuals by promoting empowerment, inclusion, and access to vital resources.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher in social work, human services, or related field preferred.
• At least one year of experience working in community outreach, social services, or a related area.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse populations.
• Reliable transportation to travel within assigned outreach areas.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with cross-organizational databases that support individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations such as individuals experiencing homeless, youth, or those with substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with local community resources, social service systems, and healthcare providers.
• Training or certification in crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, or case management.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in the community.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach activities in community settings such as shelters, clinics, schools, and public spaces to identify individuals in need of support.
• Assess client needs through interviews and observations, and develop individualized plans to connect them with appropriate services.
• Provide education and information about available community resources, programs, and eligibility criteria.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to help them navigate complex systems including healthcare, housing, and social services.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, outreach efforts, and outcomes to monitor progress and report to supervisors.
• Collaborate with community partners, service providers, and local agencies to coordinate care and improve service delivery.
• Participate in community events and forums to raise awareness about available resources and promote outreach initiatives.

Skills: The Outreach Worker utilizes strong communication and active listening skills daily to build trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential for assessing client needs and developing effective plans to connect them with appropriate services. Organizational skills are used to manage caseloads, document interactions accurately, and coordinate with multiple agencies efficiently. Ability to work with diverse clients enables the Outreach Worker to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals facing complex social challenges. Additionally, advocacy and negotiation skills are applied to help clients overcome barriers and access necessary resources.

Benefits: At our organization, we believe that caring for our community begins with caring for our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include competitive health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; 4–6 weeks of paid time off based on years of service; 8 paid holidays and paid site-closure days; employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance with optional supplemental coverage for eligible dependents; and a continuing education (CEU) allowance for applicable roles to support ongoing learning and impact. Select positions are also eligible for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment program.

EOE