Outreach & Navigation Worker-Mobile Engagement (Mult. Co.)

Recruiting Opportunity Closes: 02.03.2025

Hourly Wage: $27.00

Hours Per Week: 40

Status: Non-Exempt / Full Time

Number of Positions: 1

Department: Social Services

Position Title: Outreach & Navigation Worker: Mobile Engagement (Multnomah)

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Application Instructions:

Complete the online job application, upload a resume.

To apply online go to: Outreach & Navigation Worker: Mobile Engagement (Multnomah)

To apply in person go to 9827 NE Sunderland Ave. Portland, OR 97211. Bring a resume and complete the job application provided to you. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Questions, contact Justin Moshkowski at justin.moshkowski@usw.salvationarmy.org or call (971) 230-3500. Mr. Moshkowski is the sole point of contact for questions regarding this position.

Recruiting Accommodation Statement:

To obtain assistance with accommodations related to the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning your application process, please contact 1-888-887-6528 or email thq.reporting.line@usw.salvationarmy.org, attention Eric Hansen or Sheila Jordan.

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SCOPE OF POSITION

The Multnomah County Outreach & Navigation Worker, based at a Salvation Army location in Portland Metro, provides vital street outreach and support to people experiencing homelessness. This role combines mobile outreach to encampments with individualized case management, focusing on building relationships while connecting people to emergency resources and housing options. Working as part of a dedicated team, this position uses a three-pronged approach of mobile street outreach, relationship-based case management, and community partnership building. The core mission is to help individuals in crisis access safe shelter and essential support services, providing targeted assistance that addresses immediate needs while working toward stable housing solutions. The Outreach Worker builds ongoing relationships with clients, helping them address obstacles to accessing housing and healthcare. Through regular engagement, they connect individuals and families to vital community resources, including mainstream benefits, medical services, food assistance, childcare support, and other essential programs.

The Outreach Worker for TSA is a position of trust-representing, nurturing, protecting, and advancing the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army; and serving the needs of people with dignity and respect. Conduct on and off the job must sustain a positive impact on TSA's mission, goals, programs, and public image.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum: High School Diploma or GED. An Associates degree is strongly preferred.

In lieu of degree: 2+ years of relevant experience with 2 years specific work in the nonprofit realm.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in related social services is preferred.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred: Certified Recovery Mentors, Peer Support Specialists, State Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong Human relations skills, trauma-informed care; community building, and motivational interviewing skills are preferred, but will train the right person.
• Ability to build and maintain effective and professional working relationships with leadership, coworkers, clients, and community.
• An ability to engage with diverse populations in a respectful and culturally responsive manner.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the values of equity and inclusion by honoring diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
• Understanding of basic conflict resolution being able to engage and diffuse crisis situations. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain poise under pressure.
• Personal Resilience to regularly engage with and experience the stories and realities of those who are unsheltered and at risk in our community.
• Team player with good interpersonal and time management skills. Client centered mindset.
• Detail oriented, highly organized, ability to multitask, self-starter, persuasive, and compassionate.
• Strong use of the English language in verbal and written communication. Bi-lingual is preferred.
• Data management and reporting skills required and user level in web resources and navigation.
• Willingness to gain general knowledge of business protocols and case management work.
• Quickly gain knowledge of community-based resources, e.g. housing, available assistance funds, employment placement services, access to medical and dental services, etc.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment with working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Understand and comply with mandatory reporting requirements and laws pertaining to vulnerable adults and children. Strong commitment to keeping client information confidential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow a prescribed schedule of locations (as needed) to reach the different pockets of homeless in Multnomah County with coordination of other agencies or government bodies.
* Maintain and update a comprehensive Partner Services Directory for Multnomah County, collaborating with regional Outreach teams to ensure information remains current and partnerships stay active.
* Coordinate services with other agencies such as mental health, employment, security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation programs, developmental disability programs and available government services and shelters.
* Conduct initial assessment to determine client's specific needs. Developing rapport through direct contact.
* Maintain regular (as needed) contact with participants while they are working on their housing assessment and housing readiness plan.
* Provide supportive services assistance including all or part of a comprehensive assessment, case management, service authorization, information and referrals necessary for adults to develop and pursue an effective and mutually agreed upon housing/shelter plan.
* Provide expert case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, and/or medical impairments hindering self-sufficiency.
* Pre- and post-housing case management follow-ups and referrals for employability, job readiness, and vocational education and training needs, and/or client economic and social self-support.
* Become fully trained on the County housing referral system and refer properly. Provide formal and informal referral service to community resources, case management services in a multidisciplinary approach to service delivery.
* Participate in staff meetings, committees and agency meetings as applicable or training as assigned.
* Maintains client case records, intake documentation, social services system (Wellsky), HMIS, and ensures required forms and reports are maintained in the prescribed format. Track, analyze, and input data relevant for county, donor, and internal stakeholders.
* Must be willing to travel/drive throughout Multnomah County using organizational vehicle. Schedule to be developed in partnership with the Program Manager or designated supervisor.
* Meet all health and safety regulations as defined by the Health Department as well as TSA.
* Performs other administrative and operational functions; write reports on successes of program as needed.
* Maintain outreach resources for use in program, to include storage areas, outreach vehicles, and supplies. If any concerns are identified communicate those concerns and needs to a supervisor.
* Other Duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on intermittent or continuous basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.
• Ability to operate a phone; Ability to access, produce information, and operate a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (usually file boxes).
• Ability to understand written information.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work outside in various weather conditions.

Interact with the individuals who may struggle with aggressive behaviors.

Work in tense environmental conditions of those who struggle with trauma, addiction, who are the victims of violence or are simply vulnerable people trying to make a way.

MISCELLANEOUS

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to pass a criminal history information check. Conviction of a crime will not automatically preclude employment. The circumstances involved in the conviction(s) will be considered.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. TSA will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Supervisor: Executive Director; Multnomah County Shelter Services or Designate

High School or Equivalent (required)
Associates of Social Work (preferred)

In lieu of degree: 2+ years of relevant experience with 2 years specific work in the nonprofit realm. (preferred)
2+ years of demonstrated experience in related social services is preferred. Certified Recovery Mentors, Peer Support Specialists preferred. (preferred)

Driver's License (required)