Outreach Specialist

Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse, NY; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Packages

Paid Holidays

Four Weeks' Vacation

Sick Leave

403(b) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Tacoma Rescue Mission is seeking an Outreach Specialist to engage with unhoused neighbors in Pierce County, assess needs, and connect them to housing resources. The role emphasizes relationship-building and collaboration with partners to promote stability.

Requirements include at least one year in street outreach, valid driver’s license, and bilingual English/Spanish preferred. The position runs Monday–Thursday, 7am–5pm, with on-site duties at the Downtown Campus and frequent off-site outreach.

Qualifications

• Experience working in street outreach for people who are unhoused, minimum of one year required.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to apply trauma-informed care principles in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Meets clients to assist them through engagement and a client-centered approach.
• Collaborates with team and networks with partners.
• Assesses barriers to housing and brainstorms options for alternative housing arrangements.
• Supports clients to enroll in and navigate the Coordinated Entry system and other services.
• Completes required documentation and reports with confidentiality.
• Operates TRM 12-passenger van to transport clients and run program errands.
• Assists in cleaning duties and maintains a safe work environment.

Skills

Outreach experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

Driver's license

Trauma-informed care

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

• Bilingual in English/Spanish speaking preferred.

Full-time Description

Are you passionate about connecting with our unhoused neighbors and supporting them to reach their goals? If so, Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is seeking an Outreach Specialist to be on a team that carries out our mission. At TRM, we believe that people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. Our inclusive and collaborative work environment centers families and fosters creativity, excellence, and professional growth.

Purpose and Vision Statement

The Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to support all people - including clients, volunteers, community partners, and staff - to become their best. We provide emergency services such as shelter and meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness. We offer supportive housing and addiction recovery programs that promote self-sufficiency, sustainable transformation, and stability. We share our Christian faith within a loving and inclusive community. We are proud to serve the Pierce County communities for over 100 years. Since 1912, we have served in the name of Jesus Christ while emphasizing the dignity of each person who enters our doors. We value the needs of our community and continually adapt to the changing needs of those who come to us for support.

Job Purpose

Seeks out people experiencing homelessness in Pierce County, engaging them relationally to assess their needs and connects them to appropriate resources, including the Coordinated Entry (CE) System, so that they can be housed as soon as possible. Assists with barrier reduction as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meets clients to assist them through progressive engagement and a strengths-based, client-centered approach.
• Collaborates with team and networks with partners.
• Assesses immediate housing barriers and helps clients brainstorm creative options for alternative housing arrangements.
• Supports clients with achieving goals and reducing barriers (e.g., enrolls clients in the Coordinated Entry (CE) system, works with clients to navigate service systems, helps clients to obtain various forms of personal identification).
• Timely and accurate completion of required documentation and administrative tasks for files and electronic databases with proper confidentiality (to include preparing reports such as incident reports, vehicle maintenance reports, and others as requested).
• Operates TRM 12-passenger van in order to fulfill the responsibilities of this position (e.g., transport clients to appointments, run errands to support program needs).
• Assists in cleaning duties as needed (i.e., picks up trash/waste, cleans work space and vehicles, performs light custodial duties).
• Embodies the values that form our culture to meet the organization’s mission of sharing God’s love, hope, and support with our neighbors in need to uplift communities.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support others and ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

Working Conditions

Some weekends and evenings. Works outside in inclement weather and responds during severe inclement weather episodes as needed. Works with clients who have high barriers, including but not limited to people experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and people who sometimes carry weapons for protection on the streets. Some office work, but more time spent seeking out people unhoused and living in encampments and other places not meant for human habitation.

Schedule & Work Location

Schedule

Monday - Thursday 7am - 5pm

Work Location:

Downtown Campus

425 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98402

• This position includes frequent off-site outreach around the community.

Requirements

• Experience working in street outreach for people who are unhoused, minimum of one year required.
• Case management experience, preferred.
• Experience working in Coordinated Entry and HMIS, preferred.
• Understanding of substance use issues in early recovery and recovery management including maintenance of professional boundaries.
• Ability to apply the principles of trauma-informed care, maintaining a compassionate and positive attitude in stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment using effective and thoughtful interactions and communication.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish speaking preferred.
• Skilled in clear and effective written, verbal, and electronic communication with strong attention to detail.
• Effective de-escalation, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Operates TRM vehicles for the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of this position.
• Meets TRM Driver Requirements (Valid Driver’s License, Evidence of Insurability, acceptable driving record, and successful completion of TRM driving test).

Certificates & Licenses

• Valid Driver's License, required.
• Professional certifications:
• Mental Health First Aid, preferred.
• Peer Support Specialist, preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Stationary position 25% of the time.
• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Occasionally moves to respond to urgent situations.
• Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Communicates information and ideas so others will understand. Exchanges accurate information in these situations.
• Observes details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 25 pounds across office for various needs.
• Works in outdoor weather conditions approximately 75% of the time, including inclement weather.
• Traverses long distances over rough terrain when visiting encampments.
• Drives TRM vehicles.
• Wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when necessary for exposure control.

Benefits

• Medical and Dental Packages at No or Little Cost to Employees
• 12 Paid Holidays, Plus a Bonus Day
• Four Weeks’ Vacation Accrued Annually
• 10 Hours of Sick Leave Accrued Monthly
• Participation in 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program

Salary Description $25.09 - $27.60 per hour

The Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national origin, age, marital status, the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, citizenship or immigration status, familial status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy outcome, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.