STL Area Outreach Specialist

Archdiocese of St. Louis; Overland (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community service organization is seeking an Outreach Specialist to assist unhoused veterans in St. Louis. This role involves engaging with clients, assessing their needs, and connecting them with vital resources while maintaining community relationships. Applicants should possess social service experience and knowledge in mental health and substance use to support clients effectively.

Benefits

Parental leave

Flexible work arrangements

Insurance support for child and elder care

Qualifications

• Experience working with the homeless community and social services.
• Driver's license and valid auto insurance required.
• Reliable vehicle is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients and connect them with community resources.
• Conduct assessments for veterans and provide support.
• Maintain documentation of outreach activities.

Skills

Effective communication

Crisis intervention

Knowledge of mental illness

Ability to build community relationships

Education

High school diploma or GED

BSW or bachelor's degree

Job description

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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 aims to end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through Housing First, an evidence-based practice that removes barriers, conducts early intake and assessment, moves people into housing, and offers support to achieve their goals.

Position Summary

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is hiring an Outreach Specialist for our Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The outreach specialist will engage with social service agencies and unhoused veterans within the St. Louis City region, exploring areas where potential clients may be staying and engaging them in conversations about substance use, mental health, and other issues maintaining their homelessness. Candidates should have experience working in social services and with the unhoused community, and be familiar with community resources, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The core working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

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 community calls and requests to assist homeless persons when possible.
• Complete program assessments at clients' current locations.
• Transport clients or veterans needing services as needed.
• Inform clients about community resources, especially from the SSVF program.
• Conduct initial assessments for veterans seeking assistance and forward them to case managers.
• Research social service agencies' intake procedures and criteria.
• Visit social service agencies regularly to inform them of the SSVF program and referral criteria.
• Refer clients to appropriate agencies and assist them as needed.
• Maintain documentation of all outreach activities and record services in CaseWorthy.
• Attend local Continuum of Care meetings to promote the SSVF program.
• Understand and adhere to SSVF grant guidelines and SPC policies & procedures.
• Complete reports, including expense reports, accurately and promptly.
• Communicate effectively with case managers and the SSVF manager.
• Maintain relationships with related agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; BSW or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Driver's license (Class E for MO residents) and valid auto insurance required.
• Reliable vehicle required.
• Residence within the region preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience working with the homeless community and in social services.

Skills and Competencies Required

• Knowledge of mental illness and substance abuse symptoms, terminology, and interventions.
• Familiarity with community resources.
• Ability to recognize personal strengths and limitations.
• Effective communication skills with clients, agencies, and team members.
• Ability to build community relationships and engage clients.
• Ability to set limits and assess situations.
• Teamwork skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Crisis intervention skills.
• Self-motivated and autonomous work ethic.
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity.
• Ability to work at least 37.5 hours per week.

Resources for which Accountable

• None

St. Patrick Center does not discriminate based on handicapped status in its programs and employment. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.

Pre-Employment Screening includes criminal background checks, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screening, and verification of employment and education or licensure. Some positions may require physical exams, TB screening, and Hepatitis A vaccination. All offers are contingent upon successful screening completion.

Our Mission

To bring healing, help, and hope through a compassionate presence. We aim to transform lives and create a community with access to sustainable housing, employment, and healthcare. As part of Catholic Charities, we offer resources like parental leave, flexible work arrangements, insurance, and support for child and elder care.