Outreach Specialist

San Diego Rescue Mission; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Rescue Mission in Encinitas Outreach is seeking a dedicated Outreach Worker to engage unsheltered individuals in the Encinitas site. This full-time, day-shift role focuses on trauma-informed, person-centered outreach and case management.

You will assess needs, make referrals, assist with transportation and navigate public systems, while documenting activities and collaborating with partners to reduce duplication and uphold client dignity in a faith-based nonprofit.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s in Social Work, Theology, Psychology, or related field.
• Lived experience of homelessness counts toward education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years nonprofit, ministry, or human services experience.
• Experience with homelessness, trauma, or addiction preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily outreach to engage unsheltered individuals.
• Build trust using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches.
• Perform intake assessments to identify needs, goals, and barriers.
• Provide case management with referrals, transportation assistance, and navigation support.
• Collaborate with outreach coordinator and partners to reduce duplicative services.
• Document outreach activities, referrals, and outcomes accurately.
• Participate in coordinated entry and housing navigation efforts as appropriate.
• Support ministry activities and chapels as applicable.
• Collaborate to uphold trauma-informed practices and client dignity.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Communication skills

Administrative skills

Emotional resilience

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience

Bachelor’s in Social Work, Theology, Psychology, or related field

Lived homelessness counts toward education and experience

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Encinitas Outreach - Encinitas, CA 92024

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary Range: $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct daily outreach in targeted encampments and public spaces to engage unsheltered individuals.
• Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
• Perform intake assessments to identify individual needs, goals, and barriers to stability.
• Provide case management services including referrals, transportation assistance, and support with navigating public systems.
• Work closely with outreach coordinator and community partners to align efforts and reduce duplicative services.
• Document outreach activities, referrals, and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in coordinated entry and housing navigation efforts as appropriate.
• Support and participate in ministry-wide activities and chapels as applicable.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to uphold trauma-informed practices and ensure client dignity.

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum: [e.g., Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience]
• Preferred: [e.g., Bachelor’s in Social Work, Theology, Psychology, or related field]
• Lived experience of homelessness counts towards education and experience

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years working in a nonprofit, ministry, or human services environment
• Experience working with individuals facing homelessness, trauma, or addiction preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, faith-based environment
• Strong communication and administrative skills
• Capable of maintaining emotional resilience in challenging client situations

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This role may require walking, standing, lifting up to 25 lbs, and working irregular hours, including evenings or weekends.
• Environment includes residential program sites and client-facing spaces.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

San Diego Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based organization. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, disability, or any other status protected by federal or California law. As a religious organization, SDRM exercises its rights under the Civil Rights Act Section 702 and applicable California law to employ individuals who share its Christian beliefs and values.