Community Outreach Specialist

Overview

Job Title: Community Outreach Specialist

Location: Chicago, Illinois (South Side/North East Side)

Position Type: Full-time

Reports to: Program Manager - Street Based Services

Salary: $50,000 annually

About the Organization: Street Samaritans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago. Our mission is to intervene in the cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey. We aim to empower and support individuals to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency while also advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of homelessness.

Job Summary

The Community Outreach Specialist is a critical member of Street Samaritans’ street outreach division. This role is responsible for conducting outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in Chicago and providing case management services to support them in securing and maintaining stable housing. The specialist will be required to obtain Housing Resource Specialist (HRS) credentials and actively conduct Coordinated Entry (CE) assessments. The caseload ratio for this position is 20:1. We are looking to build an interdisciplinary team and are prioritizing candidates with background in the following areas: substance use, mental health, healthcare/wound care, workforce development and lived experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly coordinate with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services; including conducting and submitting regularly required reporting.
• Conduct street outreach in encampments, under viaducts, parks, community centers, places not meant for human habitation.
• Conduct street outreach in a compassionate and respectful manner to individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on building trusting relationships and ensuring engagement.
• Conduct Coordinated Entry (CE) assessments and enter eligible participants into the housing waitlist.
• Obtain Housing Resource Specialist (HRS) credentials and apply relevant skills in connecting clients to housing resources.
• Develop individualized service plans to support clients in achieving stable housing and addressing other essential needs.
• Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data entry and services.
• Provide case management services, including advocacy, crisis intervention, problem-solving, and support in accessing community resources.
• Coordinate with other service providers to ensure clients have access to healthcare, mental health and substance use treatment, employment and education support, and legal services.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, including case notes and service plan updates, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Monitor client progress and adjust service plans as needed to ensure clients are making progress toward achieving their goals.
• Work towards achieving the following program goals:
  • Ensure 90% of participants are entered into a housing waitlist.
  • Ensure 90% of participants are working towards obtaining necessary identification documents.
  • Ensure 90% of participants are enrolled in Medicaid.
  • Ensure 75% of participants are enrolled in food benefits.
  • Ensure 65% of participants are connected to income support.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and other agency events as required.
• Complete all required documentation and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Studies, or a related field preferred.
• Lived experience is highly valued and encouraged to apply.

Experience

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in street outreach or working with individuals facing substance use challenges.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, or substance use disorders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with clients and work collaboratively with a team of service providers.
• Ability to conduct outreach in a variety of settings, including on the street, in shelters, and in other community-based locations.
• Knowledge of community resources and experience navigating complex systems to support clients in accessing needed services.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and implement individualized service plans that address clients' unique needs and circumstances.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Commitment to social justice and equity, and the ability to work with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proven knowledge and application of the following concepts strongly preferred:
  • Housing First Approach
  • Harm Reduction
  • Trauma Informed Practices
• Proficiency in Google Workspace suite and experience with database management and case management software preferred.

Work Environment

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel throughout the city of Chicago are necessary.
• The candidate will have some flexibility in setting their schedule but must participate in required team meetings and training sessions.
• This is a field-based position. The majority of responsibilities will be outdoors.