Youth Street Outreach Worker

Job Title: Outreach Worker             

Pay Rate: $15 per hour

Part-time and Full-Time Opportunities available

Summary 

As an Outreach Worker you will have the opportunity to identify the needs of homeless, runaway, foster, and at-risk youth ages 11-24 and connect them with resources, crisis intervention, referral information, and tangible goods to provide for their basic needs.  Services and support provided as an Outreach Worker enable vulnerable youth to become self-sufficient, providing them with low-barrier, unconditional support that meets basic needs, links them to safe housing, supportive services, and increases their ability to navigate their community and thrive.

Your Impact and Key Responsibilities 

• Complete intakes and conduct individual assessments with youth who access street outreach services.  Monitor and oversee youth in the Drop-in Center, assisting them with laundry, food preparation, accessing shower facilities and basic needs supplies.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources and connect participants to appropriate employment opportunities, education, medical, mental health, and basic needs. Connect and transport youth to shelter, housing resources and other appropriate resources as needed.
• Plan and facilitate events for youth in the Drop-in Center, assisting with the development of a monthly activity calendar. 
• Collaborate with volunteers and community partners to provide resources and supports to youth who access services. Deliver presentations in the community.
• Conduct shifts of street outreach, identifying areas where homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth congregate.
• Maintain accurate records of services and outcome measures of participants data through Effort to Outcomes (ETO) and other required database systems in a timely manner.  
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Education and Preferred Experience: 

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Experience working with runaway, homeless, and street youth and/or youth who have emotional and behavioral issues is preferred.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis area, streets, and neighborhoods highly recommended.
• HS Diploma
• Completion of at least 60 hours of college training with major course work in social sciences  or equivalent is preferred.
• Class E license (or must obtain within 30 days of hire.)
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Essential: 

• Ability to effectively speak to youth living on the street, agency staff, and groups within the community.
• The physical requirements of this job include sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs on a regular basis, lifting up to 25lbs, pulling and/or pushing on occasion.
• Thorough knowledge of working with at-risk older youth population, dealing with crisis intervention, resource sharing, and client needs.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize strength-based, therapeutic crisis intervention methods with adolescents.
• Ability to read, interpret, and implement agency and program documents.
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, community partners, families, etc.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Word and Outlook, and ETO database software.
• Adhere to agency rules, policies and procedures including attendance, program/department specific procedures, workplace safety, code of conduct, social media, training requirements, and confidentiality.

We Offer Great Benefits 

Epworth offers a comprehensive benefits package with eligibility beginning on hire date for medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability. Colleagues may participate in the 401k starting on the first of the month after hire date.  We have a generous paid time off plan for full time colleagues, including PTO, sick leave, and holidays. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Epworth is an EEO/AA employer. Consistent with this policy, Epworth embraces diversity and welcomes colleagues and applicants of all backgrounds. Our goal is to empower every day and build a community that is inclusive, drawing upon the strengths of the diversity of our colleagues to exceed the expectations of our clients.

About Epworth

Founded in 1864, Epworth is a multiservice agency that seeks to empower youth who have experienced trauma to realize their unique potential by meeting essential needs, cultivating resiliency, and building community. Thousands of youth and families turn to Epworth each year for a full range of services including: therapeutic foster care and case management; residential and intensive treatment; individual/family therapy and comprehensive psychological testing; emergency shelter and longer-term housing services; life skills and vocational training; as well as crisis care and outreach through the Drop-In Center, food pantry, and 24-hour crisis help-line. Epworth is headquartered at 110 N. Elm Ave. in Webster Groves, Missouri and has locations in Normandy and South St. Louis City.

Our Mission
Empowering youth to realize their unique potential by meeting essential needs, cultivating resiliency, and building community.

Our Vision
A world in which every youth experiences life in all its fullness.

Our Values

Respect: We recognize the inherent worth and promote the well-being of every client and colleague.

Excellence: We offer evidence-based, high-quality programming and provide exceptional care and service.

Community: We cultivate a sense of belonging and solidarity among colleagues and advocate for racial equality and social justice throughout our communities.