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Job Description
TO APPLY
Please upload both a Resume and Cover Letter outlining relevant qualifications and position interest to official job posting at Indeed.com.
AGENCY OVERVIEW
To read Outreach Fort Collins' Mission, Core Values, and statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit https://outreachfortcollins.org/mission/.
POSITION SUMMARY
An Outreach Specialist is focused on the day-to-day outreach activities of Outreach Fort Collins, including: Providing proactive street outreach and situational response throughout the Outreach Fort Collins coverage area; Building relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, business owners and staff, police services and first responders, service providers, residents, and various city departments; Providing effective resource education and referrals to individuals engaged with during outreach; Mitigating safety concerns and de-escalating disruptive behaviors; Being on call to respond to community concerns. Outreach Specialists respond, engage, and connect to provide a specialized layer of community support to address the social and economic impacts of homelessness in our community.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Proactive Street Outreach - Outreach Specialists conduct daily outreach in pairs throughout the coverage area, engage with a variety of stakeholders to build relationships, redirect disruptive behaviors, mitigate safety concerns, and connect individuals in need to supportive services.
Proactive street outreach includes:
Recognizing and supporting immediate concerns by coordinating service with individuals experiencing homelessness, including service referrals, tracking, case planning, and follow-up Using best practices, such as client centered outreach, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care, as well as excellent observational and conversational skills Situational Response - Outreach Specialists are on call to respond in pairs to calls for community concern, including situations involving disruptive behavior, physical and mental health safety concerns, or service inquiries.
Call response includes:
Responding to immediate needs of caller and providing follow-up as needed Using professional skills to address non-emergency calls and concerns to ensure appropriate use of emergency responder time and efforts Community Engagement - Outreach Specialists engage with a wide variety of stakeholders to inform the community about Outreach Fort Collins and build collaborative partnerships that support the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and deescalate disruptive behaviors.
Community engagement includes:
Building relationships through regular check-ins with community members, neighbors, service providers, business owners and staff, police services and first responders, and various city departments Representing Outreach Fort Collins while engaging with the general public Contact Tracking - Outreach Specialists are responsible for tracking all outreach contacts to support data-driven decision making, grant reporting, and outcome tracking.
Contact tracking includes:
Efficiently utilizing multiple platforms to track and record engagements, including Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Working with team to ensure data accuracy and timely completion Team Participation - Outreach Specialists work closely with the entire staff to coordinate outreach efforts, effectively respond to complex situations, and collectively work towards positive community outcomes.
Team participation includes:
Working as part of the collective team towards agency mission, values and organizational goals while coordinating with team members to provide proactive street outreach and rapid call response throughout coverage area Sharing and receiving constructive feedback with staff and supervisors Assisting with other tasks as assigned
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Outreach Fort Collins is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, which includes applicants who come from different backgrounds and may bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our team. We recognize that those who have been historically excluded may be less likely to apply if they feel they do not meet every job qualification listed, but we encourage you to still apply if you are passionate about this role and working with our community. Two or more years of equivalent applicable experience or a relevant BA/BS degree. Superior verbal communication and relationship management skills including a thorough knowledge of conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. Ability to engage and connect effectively and proactively with diverse audiences ranging from vulnerable populations, business owners and employees, police services and first responders, city departments, residents, and the general public. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, as well as ability to work independently and manage time efficiently Commitment to a high level of accountability and ability to maintain a high level of ethical conduct. Demonstrated commitment to inclusiveness, racial equity, and health equity. General knowledge of computer and phone systems and capability to learn new software systems. Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) experience is a plus. Candidates must possess a valid ID, be able to lift up to 40 pounds, and pass a background check.
Exceptional candidates will have:
Previous street outreach experience At least three years of work experience with vulnerable populations, especially those who are unhoused, experience challenges with substance use, and/or mental health issues Working knowledge of up-to-date best practices when working with vulnerable populations, including Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Housing-First Framework. Bilingual
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND SCHEDULE
This is a full time, hourly position. Typical work hours will include evenings (until 6pm). This position requires walking outdoors for extended periods of time carrying a backpack of outreach supplies.
Hourly Compensation Range:
$22.50 - $25.00. This position is eligible for 12 accrued days of vacation and 10 accrued days of sick leave during first calendar year of hire
Anti-discrimination Statement:
Outreach Fort Collins is dedicated to equal employment opportunities in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. Outreach Fort Collins prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age 40 and over, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender expression or any other characteristic protected by state or local law. This policy applies to all employees.
Pay:
$22.50 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
