This is a volunteer position.
The Outreach Worker successfully engages with the unhoused, cultivating trust with people in crisis in public spaces throughout the community.
Provide committed, consistent, non-judgmental, unconditional, reliable support in unstructured environments.
The Navigator assists people experiencing homelessness to access housing, public benefits, health care, and community resources.
Be motivated by completing tasks and patient to allow the people we work with to set the pace. The volunteer works for our unsheltered neighbors to help them achieve their goals.
A Day in the Life:
Ongoing communication with unhoused individuals to discover their story, their strengths, wants, and needs to develop a plan within their cultural beliefs and values
Address a variety of needs including housing applications, making appointments over the phone, completing forms, arranging transportation, and accompanying to appointments
Frequently use a cell phone or mobile hotspot to connect to the internet to perform tasks and coordinate services from the field
Maintain a record of interactions in individual case files and follow up with clients and providers to ensure proper delivery of services
Must haves:
Communication skills
Be people-oriented with a priority of allowing autonomy
Maintain confidentiality of personal, medical, and financial information
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Skills can be learned:
Microsoft Word and Excel are used for case notes and data entry
Nimble with internet searches, calls, hotspot, online forms, and email
Functional understanding of trauma, addiction epidemiology, and mental health issues
Utilize motivational skills using strength-based language and engagement techniques
Preferred education: Human Services, Social Science, Social Work, or Peer Mentor