Job Description

Who is CATCH?

Every Family. Every Person. A Home. A deep belief that everyone deserves stable and permanent housing is at the core of our culture. We end homelessness in Idaho’s Treasure Valley by inspiring stable housing, financial independence, and resilience. Each year, we co-create a new story for over 220 people, using a Housing First philosophy. 

The Outreach Worker provides immediate, short-term case management services to adults experiencing homelessness. The goal of these outreach services is to help individuals problem-solve barriers to stable housing and connect them to community resources.

It is the policy of CATCH to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race (including hairstyle/texture), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. CATCH prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.

CATCH is committed to valuing diverse experiences and encourages individuals with personal experiences to apply. Your lived experience can be regarded as equally important as professional work experience in our organization. A “lived expert” is someone who has direct, personal experience with the issues our organization addresses, such as overcoming challenges related to mental health, addiction, experiencing homelessness, or the carceral system. This valuable insight comes from first hand involvement rather than formal training, and it brings a unique and important perspective to our work.

Responsibilities 

• Build relationships with people experiencing homelessness in our community, provide basic goods and supplies, problem-solve and refer to community resources, like shelters, community mental health and vocational services.
• Cover regular routes where people experiencing homelessness are often found, including shelters and soup kitchens, parks, greenbelt paths, and known “hot spots”.
• Respond to referrals from community agencies, like police departments and crisis teams.
• Refer clients to Coordinated Entry for housing assessments and/or complete housing assessments in the field.
• Help clients gather needed documentation for housing applications, as needed.
• Help clients apply for housing, and address barriers to successful applications.
• Develop a working understanding of Housing First, Trauma Informed Care, Progressive Engagement, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Be the most collaborative person in every room, continuously building a deeper relationship with referral sources, community partners, and other service providers.
• Document client interaction and services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in an organized, thorough, and timely fashion.
• Report to the Our Path Home Outreach Team Lead; providing regular information on daily activities, including client interactions and progress toward goals.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferencing, and required trainings.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications (Preferred Skills and Experience)

• A sincere passion for ending homelessness (Housing First experience a plus).
• A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Preference may be given to Certified Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with homelessness.
• Organizational and time-management skills related to data collection, monitoring and reporting.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with a solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to reliably manage daily responsibilities with minimal oversight. 
• Ability to work outdoors throughout the seasons, walk for extended periods of time and traverse uneven terrain.
• A solid understanding of the recovery process.
• Awareness of mental health and housing issues and resources in Idaho.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work respectfully and without judgment with diverse populations.
• Preference may be given to individuals who are SOAR certified.
• Computer skills including experience with email, internet, and comfortable with learning and utilizing the Homeless Management Information System. 
• Pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.
• Preferably have reliable transportation or other transportation for independent travel. 
• Possess a valid driver’s license or request a reasonable accommodation.

What We Are Offering

• An opportunity to be a leader in growing an innovative and much-needed program.
• Work with a team that prides itself on its people-first culture, strategic alignment, and adoption of evidence-based practices.
• A 32-hr work week paid at 40hrs
• Competitive benefits package
• Wage: $20.61/hour. 

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