Outreach Coordinator I - ARCHES Sheltering

About the Role

The Outreach Coordinator will work within the ARCHES Outreach team and with community partners in implementing initiatives to assist the unsheltered and under housed in Marion and Polk Counties. This position helps provide ARCHES clients with community resources, collaborates with community partners to identify gaps in services and provides clients with basic need services and resource navigation. This position is grant funded and renewable annually based on continuation of project funding. This team offers a lot of growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Two years of experience in a social services or related field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be required

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the past three years
• Must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to hire
• CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• Food Handlers Card or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must possess knowledge and skills related to accounts payable
• Previous experience with non-profit organizations and/or grants administration is preferred
• Must possess basic computer knowledge, be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and have knowledge regarding email use/etiquette
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, in both written and oral form
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff and program partners

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with homeless service providers to identify and serve unsheltered and under housed individuals
• Locates and connects with the unsheltered population as they engage with community services, assisting them to stay engaged through follow-ups, safety plans and resource referrals
• Works with local businesses, consumers, and residents in identifying their concerns, providing education opportunities regarding homelessness
• Performs regular outreach, locating and venturing into camps to meet clients in their environment with the aim of facilitating connections to shelter and housing
• Applies crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants
• Monitors progress and maintains detailed and up-to-date case notes
• Establishes and maintains an active working relationship with volunteers, social service providers, city officials, and law enforcement
• Maintains full compliance with all federal, state, grant program and funding requirements, setting high standards for data quality and performance
• Complies with Quarterly and Annual Reports
• Enters client data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); prepares data and evaluation reports in a timely manner
• Participates in Community Outreach to local organizations and groups as directed by supervisor
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times

Physical and Mental Demands

• Walking and/or hiking (mobility required in wooded areas) long distances multiple times a week into camps
• Required to frequently reach and regularly required to climb or balance; occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch
• Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment
• Incidental driving tasks may be requested for employees with a personal vehicle and proof of current auto insurance
• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff
• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks

Work Environment

• Close quarters, often with a client population experiencing homelessness, substance abuse disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior
• Outdoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands
• Variable and flexible work hours
• Frequent trips into camps throughout Marion and Polk County

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored continuing education