Outreach Worker

Position Title: PATH Outreach Worker

Reports To: Director of Residential Services

Position Status: Full Time (40 HRS)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The PATH Outreach Worker conducts street outreach to engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and connects them to housing

and supportive services using evidence-based, person-centered practices.

• Conduct street outreach to engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Build trusting relationships and connect clients to the Coordinated Entry System.
• Utilize Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Provide housing navigation from engagement through permanent housing placement.
• Assist clients in obtaining required documentation, including identification, income verification, disability verification, and proof of homelessness.
• Identify permanent housing opportunities, including Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), VASH, Shelter Plus Care, and other housing resources.
• Connect clients to behavioral health, medical care, substance use treatment, employment services, benefits, and community resources.
• Collaborate with community partners, landlords, and housing providers to facilitate timely housing placements.
• Maintain accurate documentation in HMIS and ensure compliance with PATH and agency requirements.
• Promote long-term housing stability through individualized service planning and ongoing support.

Principal Accountabilities

• Conduct street outreach and engagement activities.·       
• Complete comprehensive housing needs assessments within required timeframes.
• Develop individualized service plans that promote housing stability.
• Complete housing applications and supportive housing documentation.
• Accompany clients to apartment viewings, lease signings, and move-in appointments as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, property managers, and service providers.
• Connect clients to behavioral health, medical care, employment services, and mainstream benefits.
• Maintain timely and accurate HMIS documentation and complete case notes within 72 hours.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case staffing meetings.
• Build collaborative relationships with community partners.
• Submit monthly reports and required program documentation.
• Attend required staff meetings and professional development.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies and confidentiality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications       

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human
• Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

 Preferred Qualifications  

• Master's degree in a related human services field.
• Experience serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge of Housing First, Coordinated Entry,
• HMIS, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently walks, stands, and moves throughout the community for extended periods while conducting outreach activities.
• Regularly sits, bends, stoops, kneels, reaches, and climbs stairs as needed to engage with clients in various settings.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls materials and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds, including outreach materials, food, hygiene kits, and other program resources.
• Travels frequently throughout the service area using agency or personal transportation to meet clients in shelters, encampments, public spaces, healthcare facilities, and other community locations.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity, for extended periods.
• Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with clients, community partners, and emergency personnel.
• Uses computers, tablets, smartphones, and other office equipment for documentation, data entry, communication, and case management.
• May occasionally respond to crisis situations requiring quick movement, situational awareness, and the ability to maintain personal safety while following agency protocols.
• Requires the ability to maintain concentration, exercise sound judgment, and effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Gateway Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, citizenship, sex, marital or veteran status, disability or handicap, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law Gateway Center also takes affirmative action to employ, and advance in employment, qualified women, minorities and covered veterans. Gateway Center also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws.

Since 2005, Gateway Center (GWC) has been committed to providing effective, strategic and innovative solutions as part of our collaborative model.
GWC is a proven leader and has positioned ourselves to be adaptable to respond to the needs of the homeless community. GWC programs are designed to address the underlying barriers that prevent individuals and families from transitioning out of homelessness, such as unemployment, behavioral health, housing affordability, and/or medical conditions. We provide a trauma informed and a client-centered environment where individuals can receive the tools they need to end their homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency. To ensure the alignment of services, Gateway Center has focused our efforts into our Five Keys to Success (1) Housing Placement and Stability, (2) Health and Wellness, (3) Family and Community Engagement, (4) Job Skills Training and Placement, and (5) Literacy.

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