Homeless Outreach for Unsheltered People
Life-changing social work in Traverse City
Social Service Worker – Homeless Outreach for Unsheltered People
Do life-changing work with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, no MSW required. Goodwill Northern Michigan, one of Traverse City’s largest nonprofit organizations, seeks Homeless Outreach Workers to continue our work as a trusted community-owned nonprofit working to support regional housing and food stability. Our Outreach Worker for Unsheltered People is a strong multi-tasker grounded in Housing First principles and practices, with sensitivity to persons with disabilities or who are disadvantaged.
About the Organization
Goodwill Northern Michigan is one of Northern Lower Michigan’s largest nonprofit employers. Using proceeds from our community-supported social enterprise, we run programs that bring food to neighbors and help people find home. With over 220 employees, an engaged Board, an amazing staff, generous philanthropic support, and community programs that meet fundamental needs in Northern Michigan, we work to support regional food and housing security and provide empowering job opportunities so that everyone in our community can thrive.
Candidate Profile
Goodwill Northern Michigan’s Outreach Workers for Unsheltered People help people experiencing homelessness find secure and permanent housing. Successful candidates have excellent people skills and empathy for others, work out-of-doors in all seasons, and are interested in doing social service (no MSW required). They are self-starters who work effectively alone and as part of a team meeting people where they are and helping them connect with the community’s homeless response system to find permanent housing.
Essential Duties
Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Northern Michigan.
Perform work in a safe manner observing all safety policies and procedures.
Adhere to all Goodwill Northern Michigan Housing and Homeless Services Department policies and procedures.
Perform duties and interact with all team members, clients, donors, and customers in a professional and friendly manner.
Respect the diversity of others including, but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, people experiencing homelessness, and people with visible and non-visible disabilities, people with substance abuse disorders and mental illness, and survivors of domestic violence.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with clients to navigate the homeless response system and develop housing plans. Link people to resources like Mental Health and employment, and continually seek ways to improve services.
Ensure confidentiality and provide a safe, dignified and respectful environment for all persons served.
Assess and prioritize immediate housing needs and link clients with emergency shelter as appropriate.
Track client data including case notes with 95% data quality standards.
Grant reporting and writing.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
This job requires the ability to engage and build trust with resistant populations, strong problem solving skills, and the ability to de-escalate and resolve conflict.
Effective communications skills, including active listening.
Computer skills and experience, with proficiency in online data management systems.
Skilled project management in a high-pressure environment.
Experience with the homeless response system a plus.
Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field required. Licensed social worker preferred.
Two years related case management experience with homeless populations preferred.
Must possess or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification and a Chauffeur’s License.
Physical Requirements
Lifts up to 20 pounds, stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, and bending.
This position is considered a Safety Sensitive position.
Compensation
Compensation for this position is $20 per hour with benefits including a retirement plan with match, group health plan, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid time off.
To Apply
Submit resume and cover letter online. All correspondence will be considered confidential. Direct any questions to Adult Outreach Manager John Sabatini.
Goodwill Northern Michigan is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Goodwill Northern Michigan makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.