Community Outreach Worker

Patient Engagement

• Identify and engage homeless individuals on the streets, in shelters, meal programs, and other sites
• Serve as a bridge to connect clients with services at Health Care for the Homeless

Resource Connection

• Using comprehensive knowledge of common health-related issues including HIV disease, mental health and substance abuse, effectively assess homeless individuals for high-risk behavior
• Refer to appropriate services and assist individuals in accessing services and resources
• Keep the resource list updated for clients

Patient Escort

• Accompany clients to medical appointments, ensuring they arrive safely and on time
• Provide support during their visits
• Help facilitate adherence and connection to comprehensive care

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, community organizations, and stakeholders

Patient Education

• Effectively conduct health education and risk reduction interventions
• Includes safe use of medical supplies and naloxone, including proper administration and storage

Operations Support

• Provide operational support for the mobile clinic and street medicine team
• Aid in client flow and documentation during clinic operations

Data Collection

• Accurately and timely document all interventions and encounters according to agency policy

Key Agency Responsibilities

• Models and reinforces Health Care for the Homeless core values of dignity, authenticity, hope, justice, passion, and balance
• Participates in performance improvement activities and advocacy
• Protects client’s personal health information by complying with HIPAA and other relevant Health Care related IT security regulations

Knowledge, Experience, And Skills

• Formal Education and Training: High school diploma, GED or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Human Services preferred
• Experience: At least 2 years of experience reaching out to vulnerable individuals; at least 1 year of experience in connecting individuals to essential services including healthcare, mental health, and addiction services
• Skills: Ability to relate effectively to homeless individuals; knowledge of Baltimore City community resources; willingness to operationalize trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and equity-focused practices; ability to build trust, engage in nonjudgmental conversations, and foster meaningful connections; well-developed interpersonal skills; competence with electronic health records, email, and mobile communication tools

Agency Responsibilities

• Model and reinforce Health Care for the Homeless core values
• Participate in performance improvement activities and advocacy
• Protect client’s personal health information