Outreach and Engagement Specialist

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 to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION :

The Outreach and Engagement Specialist is an outreach focused position directed at homeless individuals living in Spokane County. The primary objective of this position is to aid individuals in Salvation Army programs with transportation needs and provide outreach services and case management to secure shelter/housing. The Outreach and Engagement Specialist will regularly engage area homeless, those experiencing homelessness living as vehicle residents at their parking sites, working with individual clients to identify and overcome barriers to sheltering and housing, and refer individuals to other resources in the community (mainstream services, benefit services, food assistance programs, childcare resources, etc.).

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE :

• 2 years demonstrated experience in related social services, preferred
• Demonstrates understanding in outreach as well as city, county, and partner agency human services
• Strong human relations skills, trauma-informed care, community building, and motivational interviewing
• CMIS, SALA and Coordinated Entry experience, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

• 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
• Self-starter, persuasive, and compassionate
• Understanding of basic conflict resolution
• Team player
• Detail oriented - highly organized - multitasker
• Strong use of the English language in verbal and written communication
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain poise under pressure
• Client centered mindset
• Strong commitment to keeping client information confidential
• Broad and up to date knowledge of community-based resources
• Must successfully pass the background/reference check process
• Ability and willingness to understand and fully comply with mandatory reporting requirements and laws pertaining to vulnerable adults and children
• Obtain documentation of current TB test
• Complete the Bloodborne Pathogen training within 90 days of employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must possess a valid Driver's License, have at least one year of driving experience to perform the job safely, and have the ability to pass The Salvation Army driver requirements
• Proficiency in using GPS and other navigation apps to find the most optimal route
• Thorough understanding of traffic regulations, road signs, and routes

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Ensure that the vehicle is always fueled and ready for use
• Arrange for vehicle repairs as needed
• Ensures vehicle equipment such as brakes, lights, windshield wipers, etc. is maintained and operating properly
• Reports vehicle problems to dispatchers or company mechanics
• Submits accident reports when needed
• Keep mileage records, travel logs and repair records up to date
• Observes safety regulations and state laws regarding vehicle operation; ensures passengers also follow applicable safety regulations
• Transport program supplies and other goods to and from assigned destinations as needed
• Provide formal and informal referral service to community resources
• Case management services in a multidisciplinary approach to service delivery
• Coordinates services with other agencies such as mental health, ID assistance, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities
• Be an advocate for clients hoping them overcome barriers to obtain next step in their journey
• Participates in unit staff meetings and in in applicable training as assigned
• Represent The Salvation Army at Street Outreach meetings

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions
• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Physically able to drive a vehicle for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead
• Ability to operate a telephone
• Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs.

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. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

BENEFITS :

A generous benefits package is included with full-time positions: paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Health Insurance: Low bi-weekly premiums for employee-only coverage, Kaiser HMO for those residing in a Kaiser service area, Anthem EPO/PPO is available for those residing outside a Kaiser service area. Voluntary +1 and +family coverage at additional cost. Delta Dental DHMO and DPPO dental insurance are offered.

Life and Voluntary Options. An employer-paid life insurance policy covers employees. Voluntary supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability plans are available.

Retirement Plans: Employer-funded Money Purchase Pension Plan (Defined Contribution Plan) 50% vested at five years eligible service time. Plus, an employee-funded voluntary 403(b) option.

Parental Leave: The benefit is 40 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying events.

Sick Leave: 12 days of Sick Leave annually accruing from day one, eligible for use after three months' service time.

Paid Vacation:

• Two weeks annually, accruing from day one, for non-exempt positions.
• Four weeks annually, accruing from day one, for exempt positions.
• Accrued vacation is eligible for use after six months' service time.

Paid Holidays: 13 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.