Street Outreach Worker

Position Summary: The Street Outreach Worker works varying shifts including some weekends to provide street-based services to homeless, precariously housed, runaway and at-risk youth/young adults in collaboration with Street Works Collaborative and other organizations. The Street Outreach Worker provides access to shelter and/or housing and satisfies/provides resources for other basic needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: [BC1] To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Conduct Street-based outreach to identify youth and young adults up to age 24 who are experiencing homelessness, precariously housed, runaway and/or otherwise at-risk.
• Responsible for assessing youth using the Coordinated Entry System, tracking & collecting client information for funding purposes.
• Process housing intake and assessments to determine housing needs and preferences; and accept internal referrals from Ain Dah Yung Center, the Street Works Collaborative and other Social Serving Agencies
• Responsible for delivering culturally sensitive outreach services as part of a mobile Street Works team to youth and young adults located at identified locations in the twin cities metro including train platforms, encampments, and engaging them to obtain safe and affordable shelter and housing opportunities.
• Identify, develop and maintain referral partnerships with local social service agencies that effectively assist clients to achieve their basic needs and life goals in areas including education, employment, mental and physical health.
• Offer care and service coordination in partnership with other nonprofits, law enforcement, behavioral health services, and medical providers to ensure clients receive the help they need.
• Work closely with Hennepin/ Ramsey County, the Department of Human Services, Public Housing, Metro Transit, and other community partners to ensure housing and services are secured.
• Build strong networks within the schools that they partner with, and the various school administrations.
• Fosters a positive, engaged community.
• Listen to client concerns and provide crisis intervention as required.
• Accessing mental health crisis services or Adult Protective Services for residents is a common component of the position.
• Assist client develop independent living skills.
• Distribute and track health and personal care supplies, food, and access to transportation.
• Transports or arranges public transportation for clients to medical, court, or other appointments.
• Collaborate as a member of the larger Ain Dah Yung Center Team and serve as a housing resource expert as needed.
• Collects and records all required statistical information; accurately reports data in a timely manner.
• Prepare monthly statistical reports and other data as required by the Street Works Collaborative
• Prepare financial assistance requests through the Street Works Collaborative and make sure all required documents are present in the request.
• Participates in agency efforts to promote a mutually respecting, multicultural environment; participates in training opportunities related to economic, racial, and cultural diversity as requested.
• Attend all Agency and Street Outreach meetings and trainings including the completion of HIPAA, Vulnerable Adult training, and Mandated reporting for minors.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, both personally and organizationally
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the clients.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
• 2 years of experience working with youth in an educational, human services, or homeless youth nonprofit setting.
• Experience working with youth and/or young adults of diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, preferably in a housing and/or nonprofit organization.
• Must have experience working with at- risk populations and the ability to work constructively with youth who exhibit a wide array of challenging behaviors.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to American Indian culture, values, community, and family systems required.
• Clear understanding of structural racism and historical trauma and its impact on the American Indian community.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices preferred, specifically Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Person-Centered approaches.
• Must be cognizant and sensitive to the needs of homeless youth and at-risk families.