The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
Outreach Assistant
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory, Centralia, Washington, United States, 98531
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Scope of Position The Outreach Assistant works with the Coordinated Entry Lead, Shelter Manager, Social Services Director, Hygiene Center Attendant, and others to provide intake and assessment services for persons who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The role includes entering persons into the Homeless Management Inventory System (HMIS), maintaining accurate data, utilizing a diversion-based, trauma-informed, and Housing First approach, and participating in monthly coordinated entry work groups. The assistant also assists in the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) count, attends training, organizes educational opportunities, and provides referrals to housing providers such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and tenant-based rental assistance. The role is funded by an outside source and continuation of employment depends on continued fund sourcing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Experience working with low-income and vulnerable people
Case management skills for ongoing support and advocacy
Detail oriented and attention to detail
Ability to empathize with and advocate for low-income and vulnerable people
Maintain confidentiality with personal information
Knowledge of social services and local resources preferred
Knowledge or experience working with homeless/low-income families
Excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on working effectively in a team
Able to make decisions based on policies and procedures manual
Proficient in typing, organizing, and filing
Able to multi-task and work in a team
Understand and demonstrate crisis management skills
Self‑motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision
Communicate effectively, both written and orally, with Program Manager and other staff
Have (or obtain within 30 days of employment) First Aid & CPR card
Complete (or obtain within 30 days of employment) Blood‑borne Pathogens course
Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's license and pass a driver safety training
Pass a criminal background check
Working knowledge of database applications and ability to use new software programs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide support to participants living in the Night by Night shelter
Maintain complete program documentation for participants
Oversee office/records management, case management, data collection and reporting
Answer a multi‑line phone system
Enter data accurately and promptly into multiple databases and spreadsheets
Help participants find emergency services (food, clothing, furnishings, transportation, etc.)
Assist current and past participants with support services as funding allows
Assist with crisis management and support recovery
Build trust: be consistent, trustworthy, and honest
Assist in preparation: help participants plan for and anticipate what to expect
Devise case/service plan; help participants establish and maintain residential stability
Attend community social service provider meetings and participate on committees
Advocate for participants; network with partner agencies and community supporters
Provide aftercare/outreach for participants that choose not to actively engage with housing services
Follow up with participants and offer services
Attend trainings and staff meetings
Other duties as assigned
May need to be on‑call for temporary periods of time
Physical Requirements
Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, and reach overhead
Ability to operate telephone and desktop/laptop computer
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to access and produce information from a computer
Ability to understand written information
Ability to drive for up to 90 minutes each direction
Ability to walk outdoors, sometimes on uneven terrain
Ability to carry outreach items such as backpacks, tents, hygiene kits
Ability to set up folding tables
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and does not cause undue hardship.
The Salvation Army will comply with all governmental orders and any contractual obligations relative to COVID‑19 safety measures, including mandatory vaccination of staff if required. The Salvation Army will consider requests for exemptions from any such requirements on either religious or medical grounds.
Work requires local travel to offices, agency buildings, outdoor encampments, and other sites. Some work is sedentary, performed in a typical office environment.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
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Scope of Position The Outreach Assistant works with the Coordinated Entry Lead, Shelter Manager, Social Services Director, Hygiene Center Attendant, and others to provide intake and assessment services for persons who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The role includes entering persons into the Homeless Management Inventory System (HMIS), maintaining accurate data, utilizing a diversion-based, trauma-informed, and Housing First approach, and participating in monthly coordinated entry work groups. The assistant also assists in the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) count, attends training, organizes educational opportunities, and provides referrals to housing providers such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and tenant-based rental assistance. The role is funded by an outside source and continuation of employment depends on continued fund sourcing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Experience working with low-income and vulnerable people
Case management skills for ongoing support and advocacy
Detail oriented and attention to detail
Ability to empathize with and advocate for low-income and vulnerable people
Maintain confidentiality with personal information
Knowledge of social services and local resources preferred
Knowledge or experience working with homeless/low-income families
Excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on working effectively in a team
Able to make decisions based on policies and procedures manual
Proficient in typing, organizing, and filing
Able to multi-task and work in a team
Understand and demonstrate crisis management skills
Self‑motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision
Communicate effectively, both written and orally, with Program Manager and other staff
Have (or obtain within 30 days of employment) First Aid & CPR card
Complete (or obtain within 30 days of employment) Blood‑borne Pathogens course
Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's license and pass a driver safety training
Pass a criminal background check
Working knowledge of database applications and ability to use new software programs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide support to participants living in the Night by Night shelter
Maintain complete program documentation for participants
Oversee office/records management, case management, data collection and reporting
Answer a multi‑line phone system
Enter data accurately and promptly into multiple databases and spreadsheets
Help participants find emergency services (food, clothing, furnishings, transportation, etc.)
Assist current and past participants with support services as funding allows
Assist with crisis management and support recovery
Build trust: be consistent, trustworthy, and honest
Assist in preparation: help participants plan for and anticipate what to expect
Devise case/service plan; help participants establish and maintain residential stability
Attend community social service provider meetings and participate on committees
Advocate for participants; network with partner agencies and community supporters
Provide aftercare/outreach for participants that choose not to actively engage with housing services
Follow up with participants and offer services
Attend trainings and staff meetings
Other duties as assigned
May need to be on‑call for temporary periods of time
Physical Requirements
Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, and reach overhead
Ability to operate telephone and desktop/laptop computer
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to access and produce information from a computer
Ability to understand written information
Ability to drive for up to 90 minutes each direction
Ability to walk outdoors, sometimes on uneven terrain
Ability to carry outreach items such as backpacks, tents, hygiene kits
Ability to set up folding tables
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and does not cause undue hardship.
The Salvation Army will comply with all governmental orders and any contractual obligations relative to COVID‑19 safety measures, including mandatory vaccination of staff if required. The Salvation Army will consider requests for exemptions from any such requirements on either religious or medical grounds.
Work requires local travel to offices, agency buildings, outdoor encampments, and other sites. Some work is sedentary, performed in a typical office environment.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
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