Outreach Worker HUD COC

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community outreach organization in Chicago is seeking an Outreach Worker to engage with unhoused residents in Humboldt Park. This role involves assessing needs, providing vital information and resources, and advocating for the rights of the unhoused population. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills, preferably bilingual in Spanish and English, and have a high school diploma. The position requires maintaining accurate records and actively participating in community initiatives aimed at enhancing support for vulnerable individuals.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in outreach or social services, preferably with homeless populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of local resources for homeless populations.
• Ability to work independently in challenging environments.
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct visits to unhoused individuals to build trust and assess needs.
• Provide information on services including healthcare and housing support.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities.
• Engage in community advocacy for unhoused residents.

Skills

Bilingual, Spanish and English

Education

High school diploma

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The outreach worker is crucial for engaging with Humboldt Park's unhoused residents, including tent city, providing them with essential information, support services and referrals. Reporting to the director or associate director role involves direct interaction with tent city residents to assess their needs, connect them with resources, and support them in their journey towards stability and improved well‑being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct regular visits to unhoused individuals that may include tent cities, CTA stations, open lots, under viaducts, and other locations where unhoused individuals congregate to build trust and rapport, assess their needs, and offer immediate support.
• Provide information and facilitate access to a range of services including shelter, healthcare, food assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health support and housing referral services.
• Work closely with case managers and other service providers to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting unhoused residents.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, resident interactions, and referrals made, ensuring data privacy and confidentiality, including data entry into the HMIS system and maintaining a file for all participants engaged in services.
• Develop and distribute materials on available resources and services to unhoused residents.
• Participate in community meetings and forums to advocate for the needs and rights of unhoused and homeless residents.
• Assist in organizing and implementing outreach events, workshops, and other activities aimed at community engagement and support.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed, responding to emergencies among the unhoused population with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Engage in continuous learning and training to stay informed about best practices in outreach and support for homeless populations.

This position requires compliance with all of The PRCC’s written standards, including its Standards of Conduct, all policies and procedures, and Regulatory Compliance requirements. Compliance will be considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and proof of current auto insurance for work‑related travel.
• Proven experience in outreach, social services, or a similar role, preferably working with homeless or at‑risk populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Knowledge of local resources and services available for homeless populations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging and at times unpredictable environments.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are highly preferred.
• Empathy, patience, and a nonjudgmental approach when working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Basic computer skills for record‑keeping and reporting purposes.

SKILLS

• Bilingual, Spanish and English

EDUCATION

• High school diploma required; further education or training in social work, psychology, or related fields is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

OSHA Category equal‑opportunity regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues are not a condition of employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that celebrates inclusion and diversity. The PRCC provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, or promotion based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other basis or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, The PRCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.