Street Outreach Worker

El Paso Center for Children, Inc.; Texas; On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso Center for Children is seeking a Street Outreach Worker to provide trauma-informed, face-to-face outreach to youth ages 16–21 who are homeless or at risk. You will offer gateway services, basic needs support, and help connect youths to emergency shelter and transitional housing, working with police, schools, and community partners.

The role involves crisis intervention, crisis de-escalation, and coordinating referrals while ensuring accurate data entry and adherence to program standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework preferred.
• Experience with at-risk youth or homeless populations preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations using trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct street outreach to youth aged 16–21 in high-risk areas.
• Distribute basic needs items and program information to youth.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation on the streets.
• Coordinate intakes and refer to shelter programs as needed.
• Maintain timely documentation in RHYHMIS and related systems.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, and community partners.

Skills

TLP model knowledge

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Data entry & reporting

Communication skills

Cultural competence

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Some college coursework (social services/psychology)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

El Paso Center for Children (the “Center” herein)

Transitional Living Program
Street Outreach Worker Job Description
Hourly rate: $17.95
Part-Time Position. Rotating Schedule.

Position Classification & Compensation

This role is classified as a full-time exempt employee as those terms are defined in the Center’s Employee Handbook and is eligible for employee benefits as defined for this classification.

Reports to:

Program Director or Designee

Effective:

10/01/2025

Summary:

The Street Outreach Workers conduct trauma-informed, face-to-face outreach to youth ages 16–21 experiencing homelessness or at risk. They provide gateway services, basic needs support, and facilitate connections to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and other resources. Outreach is conducted in collaboration with law enforcement, schools, and community partners. Workers also support referrals to the agency’s licensed Youth Emergency Shelter (BCP) and contribute to the agency’s performance and quality improvement efforts. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the project’s success and to meet funders’ requirements. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and expectations for employees based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach in high-risk areas (e.g., parks, schools, bus terminals, colonias).
• Distribute comfort packs with hygiene items, food, and program information.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention and mediation on the streets, utilizing distraction and diversion techniques to de-escalate issues.
• Respond to chat line inquiries and engage youth via social media platforms.
• Complete initial screenings (Roberts Rapid Risk Assessment, CST, ASQ, QYIT).
• Refer minors under 18 to the Youth Emergency Shelter (BCP) and coordinate intakes.
• Assess referrals from the Youth Emergency Shelter for TLP eligibility.
• Develop individualized safety plans and ensure youth safety.
• Provide or coordinate safe transportation to shelter or Drop-In Center.
• Monitor shelter bed availability via HMIS and collaborate with shelter staff.
• Ensure continuity of care from initial contact through housing placement.
• Partner with law enforcement, CPS, schools, and CoC agencies to strengthen referrals.
• Respond to HMIS and Coordinated Entry referrals, ensuring warm handoffs.
• Build partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
• Maintain timely documentation in RHYHMIS and ExtendedReach.
• Becomes an expert on TLP program standards via resources on the Health and Human Services website and the Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance (RHYTTAC).
• Ensure case files and data entries meet program and funder requirements.
• Participates in the agency’s Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) process, fidelity reviews, and other quality initiatives.
• Adhere to safety protocols.
• Maintain certifications in Managing Aggressive Behavior, CPR, and First Aid.
• Participate in monthly PQI reviews and contribute to quality improvement efforts.
• Represent the program at public presentations, outreach events, and Safe Place promotions.
• Organize workshops, volunteer activities, and community presentations.
• Deliver inclusive services that honor the strengths and diversity of youth and families.
• Demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills.
• Participate actively in team meetings, staffings, and problem-solving discussions.
• Pursue ongoing professional development in trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive care.
• Participates in the on-call rotation for weekends and after-hours coverage.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

• Knowledge of the Transitional Living Program (TLP) model and objectives.
• Expertise in evidence-based therapeutic modalities and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proficiency in data entry, analysis, and preparing reports for funders.
• Understanding of compliance, legal, and ethical standards in counseling and case management.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing program and client needs.
• Cultural competence to deliver services to diverse populations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration.
• Resilience and effective stress management in challenging situations.

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• High school diploma or equivalent (some college coursework in social services, psychology, or related field preferred).
• Minimum of one year of experience working or volunteering with at-risk youth, homeless populations, or in community outreach settings.
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English is required.
• Exceptional computer skills, including proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite of business applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from all walks of life.
• Must have driver’s license, vehicle in safe operating condition, and maintain proof of current insurance at Texas minimum standards.
• Must be able and willing to travel for trainings/meetings/conferences.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, and lift and carry at least 25 pounds.

Personal & Professional Conduct

The first responsibility of all El Paso Center for Children employees is to ensure the safety, welfare, and dignity of the youth and families the Center serves and to serve as positive role models for them. All employees must exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct set forth in the Center’s Personnel Policies.

Work Environment

The position operates in both office and community-based settings, including outreach in high-risk areas. Regular travel within El Paso County may be required to meet with youth, landlords, schools, and community partners. The role involves frequent in-person interaction with youth who may be experiencing crisis, housing instability, or trauma, and may require evening or occasional weekend hours to meet program needs.

Flexibility

Every program at the Center is community- and client-centric. Working with diverse partners to meet the needs of families in our community demands flexibility. The scope of work is subject to change based on the team’s performance, the funder’s expectations, and the agency’s strategic goals. The flexibility needed in this role includes scheduling of meetings, events, and activities; training; staff meetings; support learning opportunities for interns (as applicable); and out-of-town travel for training and/or grant requirements.