Community Outreach Specialist

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Street Samaritans is a 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit that provides direct support and resources for transition for Chicago’s Homeless population through human connection, technology and partnerships. Learn more at www.streetsamaritans.org