Day Center Engagement Specialist at Fathers Heart Street Ministry – Oregon City, Oregon

Summary
The Father’s Heart Day Center Engagement Specialist is responsible for building trust and rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness, assisting them in accessing services, and providing support to meet their immediate needs. This role will focus on engaging clients in a compassionate, respectful manner, offering advocacy, support, and resources to help them improve their lives and navigate challenges related to homelessness.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Engagement

• Build meaningful relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness to create a trusting environment.
• Actively listen to client needs and provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help them access services and achieve their goals.

Assessment & Referral

• Conduct initial assessments to understand clients’ immediate needs and connect them to appropriate services and resources, including case management, medical care, housing, and mental health services.

Support & Advocacy

• Advocate for clients within the organization and with external partners, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and services.
• Assist clients in navigating complex systems, such as housing applications, legal aid, and healthcare services.

Crisis Management

• Provide support and de-escalation during moments of crisis.
• Ensure that clients are safe and well-supported during challenging situations, working closely with team members to address immediate needs.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in Charity Tracker.

Team Participation & Training

• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Contribute ideas for improving engagement strategies and program effectiveness.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or in a social services setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and engage clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, homelessness, and related social issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate crisis situations.
• Knowledge of local community resources and services available to individuals experiencing homelessness is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement short and long term goals.
• Ability to manage and track essential supplies per requirements

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Day Center is open Mon-Fri 9am-2pm, onsite support during open hours is expected.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• This is an active position requiring ability stoop and bend regularly, and lift and move items up to 25 lbs.