Outreach Advocate

Position Title: Outreach Advocate

Location: Distribution Center, 401 NW Norris

Reports to: Director of Street Reach

Date: January 2025

GUIDING VERSE:

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Outreach Advocate will perform various duties pertaining to outreach, which includes Street Reach and MAP, ensuring outreach systems are followed. The Outreach Advocate is also responsible for helping cultivate trusting relationships between unsheltered neighbors, staff, partners, and volunteers. It is imperative the Outreach Advocate strive to be able to maintain positive relationships of love, honor, compassion, and peace with those whose lives are touched by Street Reach. Along with all other ministry positions, there is an expectation of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the unsheltered neighbors, guests, and visitors of the Topeka Rescue Mission.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work alongside Director of Homeless Outreach, TRM staff, and outreach volunteers in a collaborative effort
• Assist in documenting, maintaining, and reporting accurate outreach statistics and numbers for reporting purposes.
• Assist in training volunteers for outreach
• Lovingly engage with homeless neighbors during outreach 
• Engage in public speaking as needed and requested with approval of TRM leadership.
• Participate in the annual Point in Time count, census, surveys, etc.
• Actively participate in weekly debrief and planning meetings
• Actively engages in assisting the emergency response plan when crisis occurs
• Maintain an inventory of supplies for Mobile Access Partnership and other Street Reach activities
• Connect and transport supply trailers utilizing specific TRM vehicles
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or successful completion of GED plus 3 years related work experience required OR Associate degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Ministry, or related field is an advantage. (Experience may be substituted for education as determined by TRM)
• 3 years' experience and abilities in preventing, defusing, or resolving conflict between individuals or crisis situations with grace and accountability preferred.
• Experience and training in de-escalation, CIT (Crisis Intervention Training), and other mental health training preferred
• Experience working with homeless population or those in need preferred 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of written, electronic, and verbal communication and information.
• Self-driven; self-motivated 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Time management skills 
• Ability to work as a member of a team, inspiring trust and speaking truth
• Excellent listening and communication skills, including verbal, written, and electronic.
• Ability to effectively work in a high stress and sometimes challenging work environment
• A heart of compassion, caring, love and ministry must be a part of this individual’s life and in dealing with others.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Having a valid driver's license and the ability to meet requirement to be added to TRM’s vehicle insurance policies.
• Certification and/or training in de-escalation, CIT (Crisis Intervention Training), and/or other mental health training preferred
• UTV certification (may complete upon hire)

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMAINDS:

• Must be able to work in all conditions including but not limited to inside desk work, outside in various weather conditions, one-on-one and group engagement  
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, walk, bend and stoop preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Why do you want to work at Topeka Rescue Mission?
• TRM is a Christ-centered organization and there is an expectation of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with staff, guests, and volunteers. Please share with us your understanding of this expectation and your willingness to meet this expectation.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Working with homeless population: 1 year (Preferred)
• Preventing, defusing or resolving conflict: 3 years (Preferred)
• Training in de-escalation: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14