The posting
Position Summary You will provide comprehensive engagement and services within a developed Outreach model to persons who are surviving unsheltered in Denver. Services provided include but are not limited to: provision of basic needs (socks, food, cold weather gear, etc.), and the facilitation and navigation of access to emergency shelter, transitional housing, non-congregate shelters and micro-communities, healthcare services, recovery focused interventions, and treatment services, vocational services, public benefits, and ultimately, stabilization into permanent housing. Duties/Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Works collaboratively with homeless service providers in the Denver area to provide optimum coordination, communication, and continuity of services to individuals and households who are chronically homeless, vulnerable, and living in places not meant for human habitation. Builds relationships with clients with the ultimate goal of non-threatening engagement, information and resource dissemination, case management interventions including but not limited to: facilitating access to alternative/non congregate shelter options when appropriate and available; obtaining identification documents, benefits, and basic needs; addressing acute medical and behavioral health care concerns; reconnecting individuals to previously established relationships with service providers and case managers; referring and facilitating access to longer-term providers of case management, housing, and substance treatment services; and reunifying individuals with family when appropriate. When appropriate housing is not imminent or available, continues to help clients explore ways of improving material and emotional aspects of their lives. Documents all engagements and services provided to clients and records entries into the HMIS database within 2 business days of the contact. Documents other grant-required information in a timely manner in the formats provided. Attempts to obtain all needed data elements for HMIS records upon the first encounter whenever possible or gathers such information as quickly as possible for entry of a complete HMIS client record. Works as a member of the Denver Street Outreach Collaborative (DSOC) to provide face-to-face outreach services to individuals and households who are homeless and surviving unsheltered in public places or places not meant for human habitation. Seeks to engage clients in a trauma-informed and culturally humble way, assist them in recognizing and defining their own service needs, inform them of available services, and help them access those services. Transports individuals who are homeless using a personal or organizational vehicle. Accepts referrals from CCH staff and other agencies and works collaboratively with staff of all agencies to provide high quality service. Reports back to referral source in a timely fashion to inform them of client disposition and additional services needed. Participates in all necessary case conferencing, strategic planning meetings, and huddles to ensure continuity of care. Identifies individuals and households who are eligible for existing CCH programs and assists clients with connecting to the appropriate intake staff in those programs. Participates in the Point in Time Survey, the Client Satisfaction Survey, Street Medicine Outreach, Behavioral Health Outreach, Emergency Cold Weather Outreach (sometimes after normal business hours), and other collaborative and community efforts, as needed. Responds to requests for outreach engagement from HOST and other City entities within 2 days of the contact. Ensure timely & accurate use of all company systems as required while maintaining complete up-to-date records and any future upgrades as directed. Performs other job duties as assigned.
Education, Licensure and Certifications
High school diploma and/or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Must have and maintain in good standing, a Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of hire
Experience
Previous outreach experience with homeless populations and/or a related direct human service field working with underserved populations highly preferred.
Job Competencies
Ability to establish trust and rapport with individuals, through meaningful interactions even in challenging or sensitive situations to foster openness and respect. Understanding of issues related to homelessness including common physical & mental health conditions, evidence-based interventions, complexities within provided services, and trauma-informed care. Demonstrates awareness and continuously seeks to learn & apply inclusive language that respects diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences. Ability to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team and work with collaborating agencies Collaborates cross-departmentally with Coalition staff to grow & contribute to the success of program objectives, culture, & a positive working environment. Basic understanding of recovery focused interventions and principles. Must be able to communicate information clearly and effectively through multiple mediums to diverse audiences. Must be able to remain calm, think clearly, and apply sound judgement in high-pressure situations. Must be able to access and interpret information from computer screens and printed materials. Must be able to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment with respective stakeholders. Must be able to adhere to process protocol.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met or encountered to successfully perform the essential functions of the job with or reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CCH provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Company. Physical Demands
Percentage of work time spent on activity →
0% - 24%
25% to 49%
50% to 74%
75% to 100%
SEEING: Must be able to read computer screens and printed documents.
X
HEARING: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and others.
X
STANDING/WALKING
X
CLIMBING/STOOPING/KNEELING
X
LIFTING/PULLING/PUSHING
X
Working Conditions This role works on-site across a range of settings from offices to encampments, parks, street corners, vehicles, overpasses, and riverbeds in order to find and engage people experiencing homelessness. While work hours are generally standard, flexibility is required to accommodate client needs. The position involves frequent interpersonal interaction in diverse settings, with computer use comprising roughly 15 hours per week, and requires adaptability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Staff may be exposed to unpleasant odors, noxious fumes, excessive noise, and pests, as well as direct and vicarious trauma. This can include escalated behavior, substance use, death, and mental health crises. Business operations may continue in a range of weather conditions, including snow, extreme cold, and extreme heat. Typically includes 4-day work week with 10-hour shifts (Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday) with occasional evening and/or weekend shifts required during the winter season to support Emergency Cold Weather Outreach efforts.
