Outreach Specialist

Outreach Team Member

Block By Block is currently adding to the Outreach Team in Downtown Nashville. In this role you will be responsible to establish and build relationships with local social service agencies and strive to direct the unhoused and others in need of services to agencies and programs that are able to provide needed resources such as crisis intervention.

We are looking to staff the following shifts and must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings Monday through Sunday.

1. 6:00am to 2:30pm
2. 11:30am to 8:00pm
3. 2:00pm to 10:30pm

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively look to identify those in need and establish relationships. Introduce them to established programs and agencies that are there to help meet their needs. Work towards establishing mutual respect to reduce the public nuisance perception of homelessness.
• Establish relationships and resources: Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with the city, county and state agencies that are in place to respond to the needs of the homeless and neediest of the community. Strive towards a cooperative effort to make a positive impact on homelessness in the district.
• Patrol the district: Patrol on bike or foot to locate and reach out to those in need, as well as to direct those in public spaces to services or more suitable locations.
• Observe and report: While on patrol be watchful for unwanted behaviors or criminal activity and report to Safety Ambassadors via two-way radios.
• Hospitality: While on patrol will go out of the way to actively acknowledge pedestrians with a friendly greeting or identify visitors in order to provide directions, information, city information or recommendations.
• Reporting: Creates written, detailed, and accurate Incident reports in the English language.
• Provides accurate descriptions of persons, vehicles and other similar identifiers to law enforcement and others when needed.
• Professionalism: Must maintain a helpful, positive, and professional environment in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and overall Block by Block standards of expected professionalism.

Licenses:

• Certified peer recovery specialist
• LAC / LADAC / CADC, LPC / LMHC
• Current TN Driver's License
• Experience Requirements: Lived experience in order to identify with individuals whom we serve.

Skills Required (At least 1 year or more in one of the following roles):

• Homeless Outreach Worker
• Street Outreach Worker
• Shelter Case Manager
• Case Manager
• Social Services Specialist
• Behavioral Health Worker
• Resource Navigator
• Peer Support Specialist
• Program Coordinator
• Mental Health Outreach Worker

Skills Preferred:

• Crisis Intervention
• De-escalation techniques
• Time management
• Independent field work
• Documentation and case notes
• Intake and assessment
• Understanding of mental health conditions
• High School Diploma or GED or continuing education
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Must be able to articulate an accurate description of persons, vehicles, and other similar identifiers.
• Must have the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations

Physical Abilities:

• Must have the physical capacity to walk and stand or ride a bike continuously during an eight-hour shift, with normal breaks (two fifteen minutes, and one thirty-minute meal break)
• Must be able to walk 10+ Miles per day in all conditions with provided inclement weather gear

We are proud to offer the following benefits:

• Insurance: Medical with available FSA and/or HSA, Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Critical Illness, and Accident.
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick Time and/or PTO (Only where required by local requirements and contract agreements), Paid Leave (only where required by law), Holidays (only where required by contract agreement), Floating Holidays (only where required by contract agreement), Birthday Pay (eligible after one year of service at most locations unless otherwise stated in CBA), Jury Duty (only where required by law).
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan

Block by Block is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.