The Street Outreach Coordinator is responsible for street outreach services in Skagit County. The outreach coordinator will be expected to engage individual’s experiencing homelessness and assist them in accessing self-identified needs, such as, health, housing, behavioral health and basic needs. Extra focus to be given to those individuals using opioid drugs intravenously. Work in partnership with other Community Partners engaged in similar street outreach. This will be a full time position at 37.5 hours per week.
JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
1. Responsible for training and supervision of Street Outreach Specialist and volunteers.
2. Employs various strategies to engage with people who are living unsheltered with the goal of connecting them to supportive services. Implements Street outreach best practices.
3. Coordinates care for individuals to obtain substance use disorders assessments and medication assisted treatment for those who are ready.
4. Screens potential program participants for housing placement prioritization.
5. Assist with access to services to meeting individual needs as identified such as housing, medical, food, behavioral health care, and clothing.
6. Provides support and guidance to participants as they transition from street to shelter and/or permanent housing.
7. Maintain community relationships to create referral pathways for program participants into coordinated entry housing services and other community-based services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
8. Collects and manages data describing outreach activities.
9. Support the efforts of people experiencing homelessness to build bridges with neighborhoods and community partners.
10. Participate in community meetings and partnerships aimed at addressing behavioral health and homelessness issues.
11. Assist in developing volunteer program to supplement outreach program.
12. Active involvement in expansion and sustainability planning of outreach program.
13. Participate in activities that provide education to the community regarding homelessness.
14. Participate in agency staff meetings and trainings, as required
15. Other related duties as assigned by management
QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required. Degree in Human Services or related field desired.
Two years’ experience working directly with people who are chronically homeless
Two years’ experience working directly with people who have substance use disorders
Lived experience preferred and will be given priority over education and work/volunteer experience.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Or a combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work.
License(s) & Certification(s)
Must have valid driver license and auto liability insurance if personal vehicle is used for work-related travel.
Chemical dependency professional certificate preferred.
Training necessary (within 1 year of hire): Trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, Blood borne Pathogens, First Aid/CPR, Safety, Mandated Reporting, Confidentiality, HIPAA, Crisis Intervention, and De-Escalation.
Skills & Abilities
Spanish/English bilingual strongly desired.
Ability to positively represent Community Action in many settings.
Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflict and de-escalate issues.
Knowledge of community resources.
Ability to work well with other and exercise strong teamwork skills.
Experience with data collection and reporting.
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with clients and community partners.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and prospective.
Shows respect for client’s independence, individualized client focused care, and flexibility.
Experience with motivational interviewing and coaching.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work independently.
Critical thinking skills with strong intuition required.
Ability to maintain and prioritize personal safety in all environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook programs.
Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written).
Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine) is needed.
Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work may be performed in an office environment or outside street environment. May be required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time. Sufficient mobility is required for the use of office equipment and driving. Hearing and communication ability must be sufficient to perform essential job functions. May be frequently exposed to situational, environmental or health hazards, such as mental health issues, drug abuse/paraphernalia, domestic violence, blood, fecal matter, parasites, and communicable disease. Travel within and outside Agency’s service area will be required for outreach, meetings, training and other job-related activities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting wage between $23.41 - $25.85 per hour (DOE)
Benefits include:
Medical & Dental Insurance including Rx and Vision
Life Insurance and AD&D coverage
SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan (3% Employer Match)
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
12 Holidays per year
Health club discount
(Community Action reserves right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit at any time for any reason.)
TO APPLY: Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by providing ALL items requested. Please submit the following: (1) Community Action Application (2) Resume (3) Letter of Interest.
You can find all job announcements and apply online on our website at www.communityactionskagit.org
Community Action of Skagit County reserves the right to extend application deadlines and to modify the selection schedule without notice, to form eligibility lists for, or make appointments to, other positions with similar employment requirements. Community Action of Skagit County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you require accommodation in the application process, please contact our HR Department.