11-221 - Outreach and Engagement Specialist - Skid Row Mobile Outreach

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Skid Row Outreach and Engagement Associate will support the Skid Row Program Manager in the implementation of direct client outreach and case management working closely with other government and non-government agencies and service providers in Skid Row.

Essential Functions

1. Outreach

• Work with program manager to conduct outreach and develop relationships with Skid Row residents.
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients that allow us to provide services.
• Using HMIS and CHAMP to submit interim housing referrals.
• Connecting clients with community resources
• Collaborate and participate with LAHSA's C3 teams, the Department of Health Services, and other Skid row agencies.
• Offer snacks, water, clothing, and hygiene items to residents.

1. Relational Case Management

• Provide initial contact, needs assessment, information, education, and referrals to residents.
• Maintain a comprehensive resource base for services and referrals for residents.
• Maintain all records in HMIS, CHAMP, and Turbostats capturing all services, information, and referrals provided.
• Utilize the Pathway of Hope program for pregnant women, individuals with custody or legal guardianship of children, individuals seeking to reunite with children, and other clients willing to complete the program.

1. Spiritual Care

• Reach out to residents with an attitude of grace, kindness, love, and humility.
• Offer prayer and Christian counsel as appropriate.
• Offer devotionals, bible study materials, and encouraging Christian materials as appropriate.
• Refer residents to local Salvation Army Corps or Christian churches.

Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, swat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, cases of water, and reach overhead. Must be able to lift up to 45 lbs. The Skid Row Outreach team makes weekly trips to the Bell Shelter warehouse, to load supplies and the Outreach Associate will be expected to assist or take the lead as needed. This position must be able to load and unload giveaway items between vehicles and outreach locations and our office storage.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's in social work preferred or related field and minimum of 6 months experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness OR 2 years direct related experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
2. Must possess a valid Class C CA Driver's license, and a good driving record.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

1. Experience working with HMIS, Turbostats and CHAMP systems preferred.
2. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Outlook, and Excel required.
3. Best Practice Models include Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care.
4. Self-starter who can stay on task and take initiative.
5. Ability to build and nurture relationships with clients and community partners, volunteers, and staff.
6. Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population of races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
7. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
8. Ability to de-escalate a potentially violent situation by using purposeful actions, verbal communications, and calm body language.
9. Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team, individuals, and organizations of diverse backgrounds and missions.
10. If in recovery, at least three years of being clean and sober to the present with evidence of working a program of personal recovery.

Bachelors of Social Work (preferred)

Best Practice Models include Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care. (preferred)
Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. (required)
Experience working with HMIS, Turbostats and CHAMP systems (preferred)
6 months experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness OR 2 years direct related experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness. (required)

Driver's License (required)