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.

Position Summary

The Outreach Advocate is a housing focused outreach position which conducts outreach and engagement within the San Bernardino City area.  The function of Outreach Advocate is to assist with mobile, field-based services to individuals experiencing homelessness within San Bernardino City.  The primary objective of this position is to assist with support of individuals experiencing homelessness in greater self-sufficiency toward permanent housing through engagement, resource referrals and linkage to services, and collaboration with community partners.

Essential Functions

Work under the direction of the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, as a pair team with an assigned Outreach Navigator, alongside all other San Bernardino County Salvation Army staff. Engage persons without homes in the San Bernardino area to initiate contact, develop rapport, and assess for service needs. Evaluate immediate needs such as crisis intervention, medical attention, showers, clothing, food, emergency shelter, etc. Evaluate for appropriate triage or linkage to housing, health, employment, education, and financial resources to help resolve homelessness and refer to community partners. Work in collaboration with other local outreach teams and support collaborative events for provision of whole person care in the field. Collect necessary data for reporting purposes and submit within required Information Management Systems (WellSky, Clarity, ODIN, etc.). Maintain weekly contact with clients while they are working on goals or objectives which are a part of their case plan. Provide peer support to individuals who are unhoused. Provide formal and informal referral to community resources or other supportive services. Participate in training and meetings as assigned. Perform other administrative and operational functions as requested. Provide transportation to support stabilization efforts as necessary. Maintain vehicles in safe operating condition and keep maintenance logs up to date. Maintain confidentiality and social service code of ethics. Maintain safe and sacred boundaries with program participants and community partners. Perform all other duties as assigned related to your scope of work.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Keyboard data entry required.

Minimum Qualifications     

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent. Relevant education in the medical, behavioral health, substance abuse, health and human services, and areas of homeless service provision preferred. A minimum of two years of related work experience with individuals experiencing homelessness or relatable life experience required. Experience providing case management or supportive services to individuals in need. Experience conducting street outreach, engagement within homeless facilities and working with other providers such as police, churches, hospital hospitals preferred. Ability to drive and maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License, pass a TSA Driving Test and maintain a clean MVR required. Must be able to pass a complete and satisfactory background check. Current CPR Certificate and First Aide Certificate preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge of or experience with mainstream benefits and services provided within the County of San Bernardino. Experience working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, justice involved and living with behavioral health diagnosis. Excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to work collaboratively with others on a team. Uses good time management skills and resources to balance responsibilities. Experience operating general office equipment to include computers. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs preferred. Ability to email, fax, operate copy/print/scan machine. Willing and able to maintain confidential information in accordance with Salvation Army and industry standards. Ability to work harmoniously and professionally with Officers, supervisors, coworkers, residents, and the public. High ethics and integrity as per Social Service Code of ethics.