Community Outreach Specialist - Street Samaritans
Chicago, IL 60629
About the Job
Community Outreach Specialist
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Rate: $24/hour
Reports To: Director of Impact
Location: North and West sides of Chicago
About Street Samaritans
Street Samaritans is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to supporting Chicago’s unsheltered population through compassionate, trauma-informed outreach and community engagement. Our mission is to walk alongside those experiencing homelessness, connecting them with vital resources and advocating for systemic change that promotes dignity and access for all.
Position Overview
The Community Outreach Specialist will play a vital role in Street Samaritans’ outreach efforts as part of a strategic partnership with Tapestry 360 Health. This position is responsible for connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness, offering resources, and linking them to mental health, substance use treatment, and other essential services. The specialist will facilitate proactive engagement, distribute essential supplies, and provide consistent follow-up to build trust and support individuals’ journeys toward stability. The specialist will ensure that there is wraparound support and monitor progress towards goals.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Community Outreach Specialist to join our street outreach team. This role focuses on engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness to address mental health and substance use challenges. The Community Outreach Specialist will conduct direct street outreach, provide case management, distribute harm reduction tools, and collaborate with Tapestry360 for referrals to comprehensive behavioral health and substance use services. The role will play a crucial role in client transportation, utilizing our mobile outreach unit. The role also involves data collection, needs assessments, and maintaining accurate documentation.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct street outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in various locations, including encampments, the streets, and other areas not meant for human habitation, with an emphasis on the north and west sides of Chicago.
- Utilize the mobile outreach unit and distribute transportation assistance (e.g., CTA cards) to facilitate clients’ access to services.
- Build relationships and provide case management services, developing individualized plans focused on mental health and substance use recovery.
- Distribute harm reduction tools (e.g., Narcan, fentanyl testing strips) and educate clients on safe substance use and overdose prevention.
- Conduct needs assessments and refer clients to Tapestry360’s network for specialized mental health, substance use treatment, and co-occurring disorder services.
- Collaborate with Tapestry360 clinicians and other service providers to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Provide follow-up support and care coordination to ensure individuals are connected to necessary services and resources.
- Advocate for clients within service networks and help troubleshoot any barriers to accessing care.
- Serve as a liaison between Street Samaritans and Tapestry 360 Health, strengthening the collaborative relationship.
- Participate in meetings, training, and case reviews
- Coordinate with external partners and community organizations to extend the reach of services.
- Collect and analyze data related to client interactions, program outcomes, and service effectiveness, ensuring proper documentation in case notes.
- Participate in team meetings, staff training, and program evaluations to enhance service delivery and impact.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided, client progress, and program metrics.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Impact or program supervisor.
Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Addiction Studies, or a related field preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in street outreach or working with individuals facing substance use challenges.
- Minimum of 1-2 years experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, or substance use disorders
Language:
Fluent Spanish is required for this role.
Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport with clients.
- Knowledge of community resources and services available for individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on mental health and substance use support.
- Knowledge of mental health best practices and evidence-based models.
- Problem-solving skills with a proactive and flexible approach to client needs.
- Experience with data collection, conducting needs assessments, and tracking program outcomes.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive the mobile outreach unit.
- Commitment to the values of accessibility, dignity, curiosity, compassion, and integrity.
Preferred Certifications:
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)
- Peer Recovery Specialist
- SOAR Certification (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Additional Attributes:
- Bilingual skills are required.
- Lived experience with homelessness, mental health, or substance use recovery is a strong advantage.
Street Samaritans is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds- especially those with lived experience of homelessness who may not meet other requirements- to apply and join us in our mission to support and uplift our community.
About Street Samaritans:
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
Source : Street Samaritans