Job Summary

The Outreach Worker plays a multifaceted role in delivering social services to the community. This includes providing mentorship, counseling, legal assistance, and support with domestic issues. They are responsible for conducting interviews to understand clients' social needs, organizing outreach programs, and offering direct support to help participants set and achieve life goals. Additionally, the role involves data entry, social media management, and collaboration with internal and external resources to facilitate access to essential services like food, shelter, and housing. The Outreach Worker is also tasked with maintaining up-to-date client documentation and information using relevant computer software. This role is crucial for building and maintaining strong community connections and ensuring the effective delivery of services to those in need.

Essential Functions

• Community and Street-Level Engagement: Actively participate in outreach efforts to provide resources and assistance in various settings including streets, beaches, and areas not meant for human habitation. This includes offering essential services like food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and housing.
• Comprehensive Service Provision: Deliver a range of social services, including financial education, mentorship, counseling, legal aid, and domestic support. Assist clients in accessing housing resources, public housing vouchers, and financial assistance.
• Case Management: Implement evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction in case management. Regularly meet with clients to review and enhance their stability plans, focusing on wellbeing and self-determination.
• Flexible Availability: Be available for flexible work schedules, including after office hours and weekends, as necessary.
• Documentation and Data management: Update and maintain client files and records in applicable computer software. Ensure accurate timekeeping records for activities under different grants/contracts.
• Professional Development: Attend staff meetings, program-related conferences, and training sessions. Participate in special projects and cooperate with supervisory directives. Adapt to role changes as defined by M.E.N.T.O.R.S., Inc.

 
Minimum Qualifications

• Experience and/or demonstrated aptitude for successful performance of responsibilities.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in a human service position or internship.
• Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related work experience
• Ability to work effectively with marginalized and vulnerable people groups; engage clientele in a nondiscriminatory manner, including program participants who may display a wide range of behaviors.
• Ability to lift to at least 30 pounds.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Must have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or those in need and understand basic case management principles.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral communication.
• Have intermediate computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook effectively and efficiently.
• Must be compassionate, resilient, and be willing to ensure compliance with program policies and rules.
• Ability to drive and maintain a valid Class C California Driver's License.
• Current CPR Certificate.
• Willing and able to maintain confidential information in accordance with MENTORS INC and industry standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances, and/or not be attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The employee may experience several unpleasant sensory demands associated with a client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. 

The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. Employee is required to: Walk and climb stairs; Handle, finger, grasp, and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Communicate, receive, and exchange ideas and information by means of the spoken and written word; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers; Be able to have visual activity for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Drive personal vehicle in and around Los Angeles County and periodically transport clients; Be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs; Be subjected to outside environmental conditions.