Community Outreach Caseworker
The Samaritan Inn, Mckinney, TX, United States
Position Summary
The Community Outreach Caseworker serves as the primary external point of contact for The Samaritan Inn, engaging individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability throughout the community. This role focuses on initiative‑taking street outreach, relationship‑building, and resource navigation to connect individuals with appropriate services, regardless of eligibility for Samaritan Inn programs. The position plays a critical role in bridging gaps in care and supporting pathways to stability and housing.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct street‑based outreach to engage individuals experiencing homelessness in a respectful and trauma‑informed manner.
Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking assistance outside of Samaritan Inn programs.
Collaborate with the Diversion Case Manager to coordinate access to housing and develop diversion strategies.
Complete assessments, goal setting, and individualized stabilization plans.
Connect individuals to housing resources, shelters, and community‑based services.
Facilitate access to mental health, medical, and substance use treatment services.
Provide basic needs support, including hygiene items, clothing, and food.
Assist with transportation coordination to access services and appointments.
Provide crisis intervention in coordination with internal staff and external partners.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations and service providers.
Deliver short‑term case management support until successful service connection is achieved.
Conduct follow‑up engagement to reduce the likelihood of returning homelessness.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including HMIS data entry.
Participate in team meetings and provide regular updates and reports.
Communicate effectively with program staff and leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.
Job Requirements
Experience working in nonprofit, social services, or community-based settings preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of street outreach or direct engagement experience.
Strong problem‑solving, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Utilize verbal and nonverbal deescalation techniques (e.g., active listening, calm demeanor, positioning) to safely defuse hostile, aggressive, or high‑distress situations.
Demonstrated empathy and ability to effectively support individuals in crisis.
Proficiency in basic computer systems and documentation practices.
Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation required.
Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8‑10 hours) and move continuously throughout the shift.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, and move boxes, products, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, candidates may qualify with at least two (2) years of college coursework and two (2) years of relevant experience or a minimum of four (4) years of direct outreach or related field experience.
Advanced experience in street outreach and housing navigation strongly preferred.
Relevant licensure or certifications preferred.
Demonstrated understanding of homelessness and its contributing factors required.
Typical Mental Demands
This role requires the ability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment, manage crisis situations effectively, and maintain emotional awareness and professional boundaries. The position involves frequent interaction with individuals in high‑stress circumstances and requires sound judgment, resilience, and strong people’s skills.
Compensation & Benefits
The Samaritan Inn provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Samaritan Inn has made every effort to accurately and thoroughly describe this position. However, The Samaritan Inn reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties at its sole discretion, at any time, with or without prior notice. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties – essential or otherwise – to be performed by the employee in this role. It is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and employment remains “at will”.
Job requirements and responsibilities are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Samaritan Inn is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity of thought and experience. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the application and employment process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR@SamInn.org.
All offers of employment at The Samaritan Inn are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and reference checks.
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The Community Outreach Caseworker serves as the primary external point of contact for The Samaritan Inn, engaging individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability throughout the community. This role focuses on initiative‑taking street outreach, relationship‑building, and resource navigation to connect individuals with appropriate services, regardless of eligibility for Samaritan Inn programs. The position plays a critical role in bridging gaps in care and supporting pathways to stability and housing.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct street‑based outreach to engage individuals experiencing homelessness in a respectful and trauma‑informed manner.
Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking assistance outside of Samaritan Inn programs.
Collaborate with the Diversion Case Manager to coordinate access to housing and develop diversion strategies.
Complete assessments, goal setting, and individualized stabilization plans.
Connect individuals to housing resources, shelters, and community‑based services.
Facilitate access to mental health, medical, and substance use treatment services.
Provide basic needs support, including hygiene items, clothing, and food.
Assist with transportation coordination to access services and appointments.
Provide crisis intervention in coordination with internal staff and external partners.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations and service providers.
Deliver short‑term case management support until successful service connection is achieved.
Conduct follow‑up engagement to reduce the likelihood of returning homelessness.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including HMIS data entry.
Participate in team meetings and provide regular updates and reports.
Communicate effectively with program staff and leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.
Job Requirements
Experience working in nonprofit, social services, or community-based settings preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of street outreach or direct engagement experience.
Strong problem‑solving, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Utilize verbal and nonverbal deescalation techniques (e.g., active listening, calm demeanor, positioning) to safely defuse hostile, aggressive, or high‑distress situations.
Demonstrated empathy and ability to effectively support individuals in crisis.
Proficiency in basic computer systems and documentation practices.
Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation required.
Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8‑10 hours) and move continuously throughout the shift.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, and move boxes, products, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, candidates may qualify with at least two (2) years of college coursework and two (2) years of relevant experience or a minimum of four (4) years of direct outreach or related field experience.
Advanced experience in street outreach and housing navigation strongly preferred.
Relevant licensure or certifications preferred.
Demonstrated understanding of homelessness and its contributing factors required.
Typical Mental Demands
This role requires the ability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment, manage crisis situations effectively, and maintain emotional awareness and professional boundaries. The position involves frequent interaction with individuals in high‑stress circumstances and requires sound judgment, resilience, and strong people’s skills.
Compensation & Benefits
The Samaritan Inn provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Samaritan Inn has made every effort to accurately and thoroughly describe this position. However, The Samaritan Inn reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties at its sole discretion, at any time, with or without prior notice. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties – essential or otherwise – to be performed by the employee in this role. It is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and employment remains “at will”.
Job requirements and responsibilities are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Samaritan Inn is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity of thought and experience. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the application and employment process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR@SamInn.org.
All offers of employment at The Samaritan Inn are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and reference checks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr