Homeless Outreach caseworker (Full-Time)-

Friends of Friends Program Mission :

To provide solution focused and service based programming for individuals experiencing or that have recently faced homelessness, or as a result of poverty need immediate outreach services. To provide outreach to reduce food insecurity and increase food access to local residents in need. Services will primarily occur in downtown and on the west side of Buffalo.

Our Vision:

To provide services that empower individuals to rise above the barriers that get in the way of achieving their goals. To provide advocacy, comfort and kindness to individuals in need.

Position Summary:

The Friends of Friends Program Homeless Outreach Caseworker will work with individuals through the stages of change to achieve the success they are seeking and to enable them to make the contributions to our community that they desire. The Homeless Outreach Caseworker is a hands-on position that works directly with those who may be experiencing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health or addictions. The candidate should be compassionate, empathetic, and comfortable working with the challenges presented by systems and at times the individuals themselves.

Responsibilities include:

a.) To utilize the knowledge and resources available to assist individuals in obtaining shelter, public benefits, supportive services, housing, job training or employment, and necessary personal resources to achieve established goals. b.) Actively engage with individuals at Friends of Night People community kitchens during meals providing outreach and assessing individuals needs in alignment with the Friends of Friends Program services. c.) The ability to measure and report the qualitative and quantitative successes, challenges, and failures of each participant, and the overall program monthly. d.) Actively provide crisis intervention and emergency support services to clients during meal periods and each scheduled shift.

Other duties include:

Engage, assist, and advocate for individuals to prevent hunger and homelessness as they experience it; this is accomplished through completing appropriate applications and assessments for services. Participate in night and/or early morning homeless outreach with the WNY Coalition for the Homeless Outreach Committee once per month. Assist other departments as needed to meet the organization mission including transporting and/or serving meals, assisting with fundraising, donor/volunteer development, and grant development. Adhere to Friends of Night People's policies and procedures. Work with college interns at Friends of Night People to develop their skills and abilities. The Homeless Outreach Caseworker reports to the Operations Manager. This position requires regular travel in and around the City of Buffalo. A valid Drivers License is required. Hours are flexible but will include regularly scheduled shifts on evenings and weekends to accomplish goals and job duties.

Qualifications Preferred:

Minimum 2 years human services/case management experience, with responsibilities of assessment, intake, advocacy. Administrative duties including submitting forms online and written, filling reports, creating forms, database management (HMIS) and tracking results. >1 year management experience Solid leadership skills with high professional ethics and sound judgment Ability to motivate individuals seeking assistance and volunteers Strong verbal, public speaking and written communication skills Basic computer skills Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing priorities Capable of working under pressure, managing numerous activities simultaneously and meeting deadlines consistently Valid NYS driver license with the ability to travel as necessary to support initiatives Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary. Proven ability to interact with multiple constituencies, including agencies, community groups and funding sources Experience working with volunteers

Qualifications Required:

Ability to lift and carry 30Lbs multiple times during a shift Ability to work for 3 hours while standing completing duties Ability to use commercial equipment and chemicals as needed Ability to walk, push, and pull carts stocked with food, donations, or other products. Friends of Night People, Inc. (FONP) is a non-profit organization that has provided essential supportive services to the homeless, destitute and working poor women, men, children, elderly and disabled of this community since 1969. Friends of Night People, provides free meals at up to six community kitchens in the City of Buffalo, distributes clothing, and assists individuals in need with referral services daily. Throughout the month medical, eye, and foot clinics are provided through area doctors at our facility. Pre-Employment Screening is required.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

advocacy: 1 year (Preferred) case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person