Outreach Social Worker (LMSW)

Job Description

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct street outreach and community engagement to identify and assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Build trusting relationships with clients through consistent, compassionate, and trauma-informed engagement.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify clients' needs, strengths, barriers, and eligibility for services.
• Develop individualized service plans and provide ongoing case management and follow-up.
• Connect clients to emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent housing, mental health services, substance use treatment, and medical providers.
• Assist clients with accessing public benefits, including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, and other available assistance programs.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with government agencies, healthcare providers, housing organizations, and community-based service providers.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive support.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and problem-solving support when necessary.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, case notes, assessments, service plans, and outreach records in accordance with program requirements.
• Conduct follow-up visits and ongoing engagement to monitor client progress and support successful transitions into stable housing.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, community events, and professional development activities.
• Ensure all services are delivered in accordance with organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, and applicable regulations.

Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree required.
• Active New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential required.
• Previous experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources, homeless services systems, supportive housing programs, and public benefit eligibility preferred.
• Strong assessment, case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, and communication skills.
• Ability to engage individuals who may be reluctant to accept services and establish rapport with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities.
• Ability to work independently in community settings and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in electronic case management systems and standard documentation tools preferred.