What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Outreach Specialist position at Street Samaritans?
Mission Statement:
Street Samaritan’s mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey.
Values:
Street Samaritans is a values-driven organization. It is important that everyone on our team share our values and use them to guide their actions in the workplace. If you share these values, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a community of love and support where all unhoused people can live in dignity and reach their full potential.
Accessibility: We believe that there should be no barriers or obstacles to accessing services. We are committed to meeting people where they are; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Respect: We value everyone and treat people with dignity. We believe everyone has the right to have their basic needs met.
Curiosity: We believe people are experts of themselves. We always approach each other with an open mind and create space for people to self-define themselves and what success looks like for them.
Compassion: We are kind, caring, and empathetic to everyone we encounter.
Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest, authentic relationships. We are transparent about our organization, actions, and services.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Community Outreach Specialist to join our Community Care and Connection Team. The Community Outreach Specialist will work closely with individuals experiencing homelessness, providing outreach, case management, and behavioral health services, including mental health first aid. This position will be responsible for data collection and analysis, implementing infection prevention and control measures, and conducting rapid testing in places where people are experiencing unsheltered homelessness, including encampments, the streets, and other places not meant for human habitation.
Responsibilities:
Street Samaritan’s mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey.
Values:
Street Samaritans is a values-driven organization. It is important that everyone on our team share our values and use them to guide their actions in the workplace. If you share these values, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a community of love and support where all unhoused people can live in dignity and reach their full potential.
Accessibility: We believe that there should be no barriers or obstacles to accessing services. We are committed to meeting people where they are; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Respect: We value everyone and treat people with dignity. We believe everyone has the right to have their basic needs met.
Curiosity: We believe people are experts of themselves. We always approach each other with an open mind and create space for people to self-define themselves and what success looks like for them.
Compassion: We are kind, caring, and empathetic to everyone we encounter.
Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest, authentic relationships. We are transparent about our organization, actions, and services.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Community Outreach Specialist to join our Community Care and Connection Team. The Community Outreach Specialist will work closely with individuals experiencing homelessness, providing outreach, case management, and behavioral health services, including mental health first aid. This position will be responsible for data collection and analysis, implementing infection prevention and control measures, and conducting rapid testing in places where people are experiencing unsheltered homelessness, including encampments, the streets, and other places not meant for human habitation.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in various locations, including encampments, the streets, and other areas where unsheltered individuals may congregate.
- Build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and provide case management services.
- Provide behavioral health services, including mental health first aid, to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Collect and analyze data related to homelessness and street medicine interventions, including conducting needs assessments and tracking program outcomes.
- Implement infection prevention and control measures, including providing personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting sanitation protocols, and promoting vaccination efforts.
- Conduct rapid testing for infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, in congregate living centers and other areas where unsheltered individuals may congregate.
- Work collaboratively with other members of the team to provide comprehensive care to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Participate in regular team meetings, staff trainings, and program evaluations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of services provided and outcomes achieved.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the program supervisor.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or behavioral health issues.
- Knowledge of community resources and social services available to individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Experience with data collection and analysis.
- Ability to implement infection prevention and control measures and conduct rapid testing for infectious diseases.
- Bilingual skills preferred.
- Lived experience with homelessness preferred.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you are passionate about serving individuals experiencing homelessness, even if you don't have all the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.
About Street Samaritans:
Street Samaritans is a 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit that provides direct support and resources for transition for Chicago’s Homeless population through human connection, technology and partnerships. Learn more at www.streetsamaritans.org
Salary : $21 - $24