Homeless Outreach Case Worker

Responsible for street/encampment outreach services to homeless adults and families throughout Carroll County, including linking participants to available services and supporting entry into shelter with the overall goal of securing housing and ending homelessness. Case Worker will also support participants exiting shelter to encourage long-term housing stability, assist with re-engagement to services, and prevent returns to homelessness.

Essential Functions:       

• Work in a community-based setting; including homeless community encampments, conducting regular street outreach, coordinating with law enforcement and additional agencies, and HSP’s Shelters, building trust and rapport with hard to serve participants
• Connect and regularly meet with communities and resources in all municipalities of Carroll County including food pantries and soup kitchens, throughout Carroll County to connect all participants to homeless services: conduct Shelter and Housing Screenings, complete participant assessments to determine and reduce barriers to permanent housing, refer participants to appropriate community resources, advocate on behalf of participant to help secure housing/shelter entry
• Communicate with HSP’s Coordinated Entry to ensure rapid participant entry into programs
• Coordinate with Shelter Case Managers to identify shelter exits and conduct 30 – 90 day follow up calls, additional calls as necessary/appropriate, with an emphasis on participants who left prior to securing permanent housing
  • Link participants with basic needs services and coordinate with community partners to secure support services, including physical and behavioral health, housing and long term supports
• Maintain accurate and timely case files, per grant/funder requirements, this includes, but is not limited to appropriate participant homeless verification and demographic information, referrals, service plans, and progressive case notes
• Complete accurate and timely data entry utilizing Community Service Point (CSP): complete program entry and exits within 24 hours, enter services within 3 business days, enter, track, and evaluate participant progress at identified milestones
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the HSP’s programs and community resources; work in tandem with HSP’s Integrated Services Team including Housing, Shelter, Opportunity WORKS (re-entry employment program), and Financial Education services to help participants access services, stabilize their lives, and secure permanent housing
• Support strategies to help participants meet “Key” goals to ensure homelessness is short, brief, and rare in Carroll County; work with participants to establish SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time based) goals
• Utilize motivational interviewing, strength-based, and trauma informed care strategies and techniques to deliver participant-driven case management; develop solid rapport with participants
• Assemble data for HUD/Agency Annual Report, and additional monthly/quarterly shelter reports as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Candidates for this position must possess the following: effective skills to accomplish the program goals and objectives; effective interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to take initiative and be self-motivating. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Strong coaching skills: ability to organize and prioritize; strong project and time management skills. Ability to work effectively with individuals and as a team.  Experience working with homeless and/or high-risk participants including those with a criminal background, mental health diagnosis, and/or substance abuse.  Must possess a high level of energy, motivation, and persistence. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and have accurate data entry skills. Must be able to maintain confidentiality.  Must be positive, cooperative and supportive. Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and proof of current automobile insurance required.

Educational Requirements: Candidates for this position are required to have high school/general diploma, Associates or bachelor’s degree preferred. Prior experience working with homeless/high-risk participants.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Environment: This position has direct contact with program participants, all levels of personnel, and other outside constituencies. Office setting and various environments in the community, including places unfit for human habitation. Normal office hours, occasional evenings, nights, or weekends are required to address participant emergencies/attend outreach events.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:  Full Time (40 hours/week).

Travel Requirements: Travel for meetings, training and outreach is required.  Transportation of participants to appropriate appointments is to be required (in agency vehicle).