Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

Outreach worker's primary function is to engage people experiencing homelessness and assist them as they work to end their homelessness. The Outreach worker will meet people in their environments and build trusting relationships and provide basic needs and referrals to services within the community including The Salvation Army.

Essential Functions

• Engage with people who are experiencing homelessness in their environment and those who come to the Corps seeking assistance.
• Gather and distribute basic essential (food, clothing, hygiene products, etc.)
• Provide appropriate referrals to services (both TSA and within the community).
• Using the HMIS data base look up, update, or complete Coordinated entry to include the Common Assessment Tool (CAT) with the VI-SPDAT and the Match Initiation Form (MIF).
• Coordinate with the Regional Taskforce on the Homeless to connect clients to appropriate housing resources.
• Refer clients into appropriate TSA Homeless Housing Services.
• Maintain connection with those experiencing homelessness to support them until they are connected to the appropriate resources.
• If needed transport client to a program for a confirmed intake or to permanent housing
• Engage with assigned volunteers to assist with the tasks above.
• Work collaboratively with other outreach teams such as the police department or agency
• Begin, update, and or close client case files in HMIS.
• Maintain statistical data for Salvation Army stats, grant requirements, and to be used by the Development Department.
• Attend at least 6 training sessions a year such as Mental Health First Aid, Trauma Informed Care, Psychological disorders, etc. In addition, stay current on TSA required annual trainings, such as (PTM, sexual harassment, back injury prevention, decision driving, etc.).
• Grasp, push, pull objects.
• Maintain a valid California Driver's License.
• Meet certification by and participation in The Salvation Army's Fleet Safety Program.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend squat climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to be able to lift up to 50lbs. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as file cabinet drawers and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum AA degree or four or more years of experience working with people who are experiencing homelessness or trauma related challenges.
• Prior casework or case management skills preferred.
• Previous work experience at a non-profit preferred.
• Certified HMIS user preferred - wiliness to become certified.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities.

• Ability to analyze difficult situations and utilize excellent decision-making skills.
• Able to work with persons of varied social-economic backgrounds and interact with the public in a professional and friendly manner.
• Detailed oriented, a self-starter and a team player.
• Maturity and confidentiality required.
• Customer service mind set.
• Ability to collaborate with other service providers and homeless outreach teams.
• Computer literate in all Microsoft office suite applications and the ability to use new software programs, including proprietary Salvation Army programs with basic training.
• Currently possess or ability to obtain a Valid California Driver's license within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification.