Organization:

Project Homeless Connect Washington County Position:

Outreach Worker Status:

Full Time Employee Reports To:

Program Manager Compensation:

$22.75 -$26.50/hr (Monday - Friday)

Benefits:

120 hrs PTO, Simple IRA w/3% match. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance. (Employee only), Bi-lingual incentive, gym membership reimbursement.

Location:

363 SE 6th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Position Closes:

Open Until Filled Project Homeless Connect Washington County (PHC/PHCWC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals experiencing houselessness by meeting them where they are and walking with them on their unique journeys toward stability and self-reliance. Our multi-pronged approach, built on trusting relationships, includes collaborative one-day resource events, a street outreach team, an access center, peer mentors, shelter services, and housing resources with case management. Utilizing trauma-informed care, a DEI lens, and best practices, we are working to end houselessness and transform the lives of those we serve. Our vision is to ensure that all people in Washington County have a stable place to call home by working together with partner agencies and government bodies to provide a high-quality, integrated system of services. Why Work With Us? PHC is driven by a strong set of values: Passion, Humanity, Connection, Wellness, and Collaboration. We are committed to transforming lives and fostering an inclusive, compassionate, and supportive environment for both our staff and those we serve. Our staff is passionate about making a meaningful impact, and we strive to create a workplace where every team member's contributions are valued. We actively promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that our programs and staff culture are accessible and equitable for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, culture, language, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or family status. At PHC, you will be part of a dedicated team working to create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve.

Position Overview:

Our Street Outreach team is devoted to aiding individuals currently without shelter, fostering meaningful connections with those experiencing homelessness to build the trust necessary for accessing vital resources. The Outreach staff at Project Homeless Connect embody our core values and mission in every interaction with those facing unstable housing, prioritizing the cultivation of mutual relationships, trust, and support to empower individuals. Working directly within the community, our outreach position involves connecting with unhoused individuals in various locations such as encampments, cars, or other unsheltered settings. Beyond providing essential necessities, our dedicated staff focuses on establishing trust and facilitating access to crucial resources, guiding individuals towards stability.

Primary Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Provide direct outreach services to people experiencing homelessness in Washington County.
• Build rapport with the homeless community, find out needs, case plan and refer them to community resources.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, police, libraries, parks departments, schools, social service agencies, businesses, and neighborhood organizations.
• Emphasize a strength-based approach as Project Homeless Connect supports homeless individuals in their efforts to move into stability.
• Accurately document all services as required by program procedures. Maintain and update all necessary databases for tracking progress, program objectives and outcomes, and contractual and licensing requirements. Produce timely and accurate summaries of services for grant reports.
• Work closely with other Outreach Workers to maintain safety protocols while conducting outreach activities.
• Experience building trusted relationships and collaborative efforts with diverse individuals and organizations.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness; outreach and local Washington County social service knowledge is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of population including knowledge of outreach, needs, services and systems of care.
• Self-motivated and work well in unstructured, sometimes chaotic, team environment, critical thinking skills to make sound decisions independently.
• Strong commitment to "meeting individuals where they are".
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to collaborate with partners outside of the agency.
• Ability to interact appropriately with people from diverse socio-economic, racial, ethnic, and varying cultural groups.
• Strong commitment to equity and anti-racist practices.
• A valid driver's license is required with no flexibility.
• Ability to work a substantial number of hours outdoors, and moving from place to place.
• Familiarity with computers and basic software use is required. Ability to work with or learn computer data entry programs and familiarity with Office Suite software.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Core Responsibilities:

Street-Based Engagement & Outreach:

• Conduct proactive, scheduled outreach in assigned service areas.
• Operate as part of a two-person team; solo outreach is not permitted.
• Engage with participants in encampments, public spaces, and other unsheltered settings.
• Build trusting relationships with participants through consistent, compassionate contact.
• Provide participants with information and warm handoffs to appropriate services.

Assessment & Referral:

• Complete Community Connect assessments to connect participants to housing and service programs within the Continuum of Care.
• Maintain regular contact with participants and support them in gathering necessary documentation to expedite housing placement.
• Ensure individuals are linked to case management, shelter, mental health services, and other community-based supports.

HMIS Data Entry & Documentation:

• Accurately document participant engagement, assessments, referrals, and service transactions in HMIS.
• Complete all data entry within 3 business days of contact or enrollment.
• Maintain up-to-date, complete HMIS records to support prioritization and coordination across systems.
• Document at least two service transactions per month for each household enrolled for 14+ days.

Inclement Weather Sheltering (IWS)

Participation:

• Participation in IWS is required. Outreach staff must be flexible and available for evening and weekend outreach during activations.
• Attend daily IWS briefings, stay informed about current shelter availability, and relay accurate information to participants.
• Maintain staffing coverage and communicate outreach plans for IWS activation in a timely manner.

Safety & Team Communication:

• Follow field safety protocols, including critical incident communication and proper use of equipment.
• Ensure appropriate clothing and gear are used while conducting fieldwork.
• Participate in regular team check-ins and coordination meetings. Required Trainings (to be completed within 60 days of hire):
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Crisis and Conflict De-escalation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
• HMIS system training relevant to the Street Outreach program
• Additional trainings as required

Experience Preferred:

• An understanding of the unique needs and struggles of individuals with high barriers to employment and housing.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist Mental Health and Addiction
• Knowledge of local resources
• A preference may be given to speakers of two or more languages.
• Knowledge, experience, or training in mental health work, crisis de-escalation, conflict resolution, and/or providing trauma-informed care.

To Apply:

• A chronological resume without a personal photo
• A cover letter that states your background, skills, and abilities to align with this position.

Ability to pass required background checks in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law.

Project Homeless Connect Washington County understands that Items which may appear on a background check are not an automatic basis for disqualification; each situation is reviewed individually based on the nature of the role, relevance of any findings, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation and current stability. Thank you for exploring an opportunity to be employed with us! PHC values diversity in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22.75 - $26.50 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person