Outreach Worker

Under the supervision of the Outreach Program Manager, the Outreach Worker will be responsible for connecting with youth on the streets to build healthy and strong relationships with these youth in hopes of helping them on their path to self-sufficiency. The Outreach Worker acts as a liaison to inform youth, the community, and businesses about the services offered by Urban Peak to promote the health, safety, and well-being of homeless and runaway youth and to assist them in permanently exiting the street life. Other duties include coverage of program shifts at the Mothership, outreach on the streets and to Denver area shelters, intensive and basic needs case management, and facilitation of activities. This position will ensure that interactions, interventions and environments at Urban Peak are trauma informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff.

Large encampments in Denver are becoming more commonplace and present a set of unique challenges. Some of the other duties of this position, in collaboration with other outreach workers from partner agencies, that include case managers, outreach workers, a peer support specialist and street nurses, will also serve as the service providers dedicated to engaging marginalized individuals in these complex environments. Services provided will include but are not limited to : crises intervention; supplying of basic needs (socks, food, cold weather gear, etc.); facilitation of increased access to the Urban Peak shelter, micro communities, medical respite, medical and behavioral health care and COVID-related health care and shelter; transportation; client advocacy; and general service linkage. This position will also build relationships and collaborate with Denver Police, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Parks and Recreation, and other city entities as needed to best engage and serve those living in large encampments.

The Urban Peak Outreach Worker will specialize in connecting with youth under the age of 25 and will work to connect with the youth as Case Managers for longer term case management and support. This position will ensure that interactions and interventions are trauma informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff.

Who You Are :

• High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of five (5) years full-time of experience working high-risk youth, OR a Bachelor’s Degree in human services or a related field AND a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with youth, OR A Master’s Degree in social work, psychology or a related field AND minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth
• Lived experience reflective of the youth we serve encouraged but not required
• Experience in providing trauma informed care or willingness to adapt this approach is required
• Experience, competence, sensitivity and ability to connect well and work effectively with the homeless youth community, especially youth who identify as LGBTQ, or are often difficult to engage, mentally ill, addicted to substances or otherwise impaired
• Skill in oral and written communications
• Skill in negotiating and mediating, particularly in sensitive situations as well as some skill in crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Able to communicate effectively with a diverse population
• Able to make independent judgement and sound decisions using available information while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
• Able to function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and work with collaborating agencies
• Able to manage tasks and activities in an environment that’s sometimes includes conflict and chaos
• Must be team-oriented and able to coordinate with various departments and staff
• Must be computer proficient and possess experience of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• May be required to obtain QMAP certified or eligible for QMAP certification
• Must be insurable as a driver on Urban Peak’s auto liability policy in order to conduct business on behalf of the agency and / or transport youth using an Urban Peak vehicle and an approved personal vehicle
• Must pass both federal and state background checks
• Must pass pre-employment TB screening
• Attendance and punctuality are basic job requirements in this job description

What You Will Do :

Outreach

Case Management and Referrals

Milieu Supervision

Documentation

Intakes and Assessment

What We Offer :

Who We Are :

Founded in 1988, Urban Peak is the only non-profit organization in Denver that provides a full convergence of services for youth ages 15 through 24 experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Our goal is to meet youth where they are and to provide them with the assistance and support, they need to become self-sufficient or obtain the necessary services they need to exit a life on the streets.

Urban Peak provides numerous programs and services that are founded on the principles of trauma-informed care and Positive Youth Development to assist youth in reaching their potential and living a successful life off the streets. Services include street outreach, a 40-bed shelter for youth ages 15 through 20, a daytime drop-in center, supportive housing, education and employment services, case management, life skills courses, behavioral health evaluations, meals and more. The youth served at the shelter come from a variety of backgrounds, and we strive to be a safe community for all youth, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, class, educational background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability status.

The Denver Urban Peak embraces diversity and considers all qualified candidates that have an interest in the non-profit sector.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, HIV / AIDS status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We encourage all candidates to apply.

Salary : $24