Community Outreach Advocate for Veterans & Housing

Archdiocese of St. Louis; Missouri; Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Charities, via St. Patrick Center, seeks an Outreach Specialist to connect homeless veterans with housing and support services in Missouri’s Warren, St. Charles, St. Francois, Franklin, Washington, Lincoln, St. Genevieve and Jefferson counties.

Hours are Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:30pm. You will conduct assessments, refer clients to community resources, document services, and coordinate with case managers to follow SSVF guidelines and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and GED required.
• BSW or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Driver license required (MO residents require a Class E).
• Valid and current auto insurance required.
• Residence within the specified region preferred but not required.
• Ability to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Explore and investigate areas where potential clients may be staying.
• Engage clients in conversations regarding substance abuse, mental health and other issues that keep them on the street.
• Respond to calls and requests from the community to assist homeless persons when possible.
• Complete initial assessments on veterans seeking assistance and forward assessments to case managers and the program manager.
• Refer clients to appropriate community agencies, assisting clients when needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Crisis intervention

Teamwork

Cultural sensitivity

Self-motivation

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma

GED

BSW preferred

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Driver's License (MO Class E)

Auto Insurance

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability.

Working collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government and other service providers, St. Patrick Center will end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through Housing First, an evidence-based practice that tells us to remove barriers, do intake and assessment early, move people into housing and offer them support to achieve their goals.

Position Summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, through our service line St. Patrick Center, is hiring an Outreach Specialist to provide community outreach to service agencies and homeless veterans. We are looking for a dedicated individual to engage help those on their path to housing and healing. This specialist will explore and investigate areas within Warren, St. Charles, St. Francois, Franklin, Washington, Lincoln, St. Genevieve, and Jefferson counties in Missouri. As an Outreach Specialist, conducting assessments and navigating social service entities will be daily tasks to ensure every individual receives the support they deserve. The core working hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Overview and Responsibilities

• Explore and investigate areas where potential clients may be staying.

• Engage clients in conversations regarding substance abuse, mental health and other issues that keep them on the street.

• Respond to calls and requests from the community to assist homeless persons when possible.

• Be able to complete program assessments where veteran is currently located.

• Transport clients or veterans needing services as needed.

• Make persons in need of assistance aware of community resources, especially from St. Patrick Center’s SSVF program.

• Complete initial assessments on veterans seeking assistance and forward assessments to case managers and the program manager.

• Research various social service agencies to understand intake procedures and criterion.

• Conduct regular visits to social service agencies to inform them of the SSVF program and criteria for referrals.

• Refer clients to appropriate community agencies, assisting clients when needed.

• Maintain appropriate documentation of all outreaches provided to agencies and clients.

• Record services provided in CaseWorthy and keep all paperwork updated.

• Attend local Continuum of Care meetings to inform agencies regarding the SSVF program.

• Detailed knowledge of SSVF grant and SPC Policy & Procedures to assist case managers with following grant guidelines.

• Complete all reports including expense reports in a timely and accurate manner.

• Communicate verbally and in writing to case managers and SSVF manager.

• Maintain relationship with related agencies.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• Previous experience and knowledge from working with the homeless

• Experience working in a social service agency.

• Familiarity with the fields of mental illness and drug/alcohol abuse; symptoms, terminology, and interventions

• Familiarity with appropriate and available community resources

• Ability to recognize personal strengths and limitations regarding time, skill, and knowledge.

• Ability to communicate effectively with both clients, social service agencies, and team members.

• Ability to build productive relationships within the community and with prospective clients.

• Ability to set limits and engage with clients.

• Ability to assess persons and situations.

• Ability to work in team environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Crisis intervention expertise

• Self-motivation due to the autonomous nature of the position

• Sensitivity to cultural diversity

• Ability to work in a team atmosphere

• Moderate computer skills

Skills and Competencies Required

• High school diploma and GED required.

• BSW or bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Driver license required (MO residents require a Class E)

• Valid and current auto insurance required.

• Residence within the specified region preferred but not required.

• Ability to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week.

Resources for Which Accountable

• None

St. Patrick Centerdoes not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. St. Patrick Centeris an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.

Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Our Mission

To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.

Transforming lives and working to create a community where everyone has access to sustainable housing, employment, and healthcare.

As a part of the Catholic Charitiesfamily, you’ll have the resources to care for those closest to you. Options include generous parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements, group life insurance, permanent health insurance, and dedicated support to help you find the right child care or elder care.