Careers
Hands of Hope is hiring multiple full-time street outreach positions. For more information, see below.
OPEN POSITION
Job Description: Homeless Street Outreach
Position Title: Homeless Street Outreach Worker Hours: 40 hours/week Full-Time
Duties: The Homeless Outreach Worker works to build relationships with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, provide advocacy, and assist with connection to benefits and housing.
The primary goal for this position is to locate and identify individuals and families who are living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation such as vacant buildings, vehicles, tents or other areas not suitable for habitation through direct street outreach activities and through community referrals from mental health, hospitals, local law enforcement and municipalities and other social service agencies. In identifying these highly vulnerable individuals, the Street Outreach Worker will complete housing assessments, facilitate placement into emergency housing, if needed, and connect to social services and permanent housing. The outreach worker will also assist individuals in obtaining housing readiness documentation and provide verification of homelessness when needed. The outreach worker will work as part of a team within Hands of Hope to conduct street outreach in the community, focusing on those who are most vulnerable.
~ Street Outreach will report daily to the Tarrant County Hands of Hope office and will operate out of a vehicle owned by Tarrant County Hands of Hope.
~ All equipment required for street outreach and office duties will be provided by Tarrant County Hands of Hope
~ Street Outreach will Complete a Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization and Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) to determine vulnerability and acuity of neighbors during street outreach as well as other outreach and referral processes.
~ Assist individuals dealing with homelessness with accessing resources and making referrals; continue to engage with unsheltered homeless neighbors until shelter or permanent housing is obtained.
~ Provide advocacy for those dealing with homelessness when they encounter barriers.
~ Assist in obtaining housing readiness documentation such as ID, social security card and Birth Certificate.
~ Maintain complete client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, and other reports as directed.
~ Maintain positive, productive working relationships with other collaborated street outreach teams, mental health programs, shelter programs, police, fire, medical and providers of services and resources to homeless neighbors.
~ Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.
~ Other tasks as assigned
Qualifications
~ Social services or street outreach experience preferred.
~ Exhibits dedication to the mission and vision of Tarrant County Hands of Hope
~ Works effectively with people of varying racial, ethnic, cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
~ Has basic understanding of severe mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues and symptoms.
~ Listens with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and point of view; demonstrates tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas, and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.
~ Is proficient with computers and related technology; must maintain data tracking systems, including case notes and have a working knowledge of Windows Excel, Word, Numbers, Pages.
~ Though this position is primarily a daytime position, it must be understood that occasional work on evenings and/or weekends may be required
~ Maintain a non-judgmental attitude and a display of unconditional positive regard, is caring and compassionate.
~ Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.
~ Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills. Has the ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively.
~ Adapts well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.
~ Effectively works within a team and successfully motivates others.
~ Maintains personal and professional integrity, and handles confidential information with discretion.
~ Desires to grow in knowledge of homeless services and resources.
~ Possesses a valid Texas driver’s license and a clean driving record.
~ Is able to work flexible hours.
~ Is familiar with Harm Reduction and Housing First models of service delivery.
Accountability and Review: 3-month probationary period with a performance review, followed by annual evaluations. Physical Demands, Environmental Conditions, Equipment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential job functions.
Employee is required to: walk and climb stairs; reach with hands and arms; be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; carry and lift; climb hills; bend, stoop or kneel; operate a computer keyboard; able to complete all forms in personal writing; make and receive telephone calls; use copier. Employee will be subjected to outside environmental conditions while conducting various levels of outreach to homeless neighbors, including extreme heat and cold inclement weather conditions. In addition to working in a typical office environment, the Street Outreach Worker will be required to work in areas inhabited by homeless persons, to include working in dirty environments and dealing with challenging individuals and their pets.
THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Posted: July 23, 2020.
To apply, please click the "Apply" button below and complete all required fields. Application must be completed in full to be considered.
Tarrant County Hands of Hope is an approved 501(c)(3) Texas Non-Profit Charity and is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity in employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status in any of its activities or operations.