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Position Title:

Community Resource Outreach Worker

Position Hours:

Full-Time

Reports To:

Community Resource Program Director

Lazarus House Ministries started 39 years ago with a challenge from Mother Teresa (yes, THAT Mother Teresa) to a Marist Brother to make a difference in Lawrence. In the decades since, Lazarus House has earned a reputation as a trusted faith-based nonprofit in the Merrimack Valley. Food, shelter, work preparation, advocacy and clothing are our core strengths and we are committed to innovating to serve our community’s evolving needs best.

Lazarus House Ministries offers an opportunity to work among a diverse group of dedicated professionals. You can make a real difference in the lives of families and individuals struggling with food insecurity, poverty and homelessness. This good service is born out of a strong team, faith in God and each other, dignity, respect, collaboration and a heart for people of all backgrounds who have found themselves in poverty. We offer a continuum of care for our beloved Guests in five essential service areas: Shelter, Clothing, Food, Advocacy and Community Resources. We are committed to innovating to meet our community’s evolving needs.

Position Summary:

This position is the primary contact for potential recipients of LHM services and those experiencing homelessness. Functions include performing an initial needs assessment and referral to internal and external (community services) as needed, act as liaison with community agencies and perform as part of the advocacy team to ensure all who come to the door are treated with dignity and respect.

Position Description:

  • Ensure the continuing mission of Lazarus House by maintaining a high standard of care by treating all who seek services with dignity and respect.
  • Assist walk-ins with getting connected with external services.
  • Assist clients with enrollment in programs for which they are eligible.
  • Through our voucher program provide tangible supports such as toiletries, clothing and other necessities to reduce risk.
  • Perform outreach both via telephone and in-person to persons experiencing homelessness and other community members.
  • Assist in obtaining and maintaining housing, transportation, documentation and benefits such as ID’s, social security and income verification by connecting to alternative services and agencies.
  • Assists persons experiencing homelessness with connecting to emergency shelter and appropriate housing services and supports.
  • Work the Winter Protocol program from January 1st to April 1st when temperatures drop below 10 degrees.
  • Establishes and maintains positive, productive working relationships with behavioral health providers, shelter programs, police and other community-based agencies.
  • Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.
  • Furnishes data and reports as requested.
  • Schedule follow-up appointments as needed.
  • Communicates with team and keeps team informed of progress with specific clients, providing constant feedback regarding client’s situation.
  • Attends all mandatory and departmental in-service meetings and trainings.
  • Complete all paperwork timely and accurately.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries that balances professional and personal relationships.
  • Seeks assistance as necessary from supervisor and team.
  • Perform all additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrate strong commitment to the mission of Lazarus House Ministries.
  • Understanding and support of how the Gospel foundation drives our decisions and actions throughout the Ministry.
  • 4+ years of hands-on experience working with people who are underserved, struggling with substance use disorders, emotional and psychological disorders and domestic violence survivors.
  • 4+ years of experience working in a community outreach related role.
  • Experience working with volunteers and staff.
  • Ability to connect and engage with people of different backgrounds.
  • Able to exhibit good judgement.
  • Must be flexible with hours during Winter Protocol activation.
  • Strong professional with excellent boundaries, decision making skills who is also skilled in supportive listening, community outreach and working with a diverse population.
  • Able to work in a high pressured, rapidly changing environment. Strong verbal, written and organizational skills; able to work as a member of a team; set up and maintain accurate records
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English required.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

The information described here includes but not necessarily limited to general physical requirements, demands and working conditions that an employee is likely to encounter at Lazarus House, Inc. You must be able to handle or possess the ability to meet the following:

  • Prolonged sitting and standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching.
  • Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to operate equipment pertinent to your position.
  • Lifting, moving, and carrying up to 50 pounds.
  • Travel from building to building within the ministry and external agencies.
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations, including people who are homeless or have a mental illness or other challenges.
  • Interact effectively with staff, guests, volunteers, benefactors, and the general public.
  • Manage multiple priorities
  • Able to manage the stress of the job

This position requires the individual to offer physical stability and support to the guests of the residence, such as but not limited to lifting and assistance if a guest was to fall, stabilizing guests during walking, assistance in execution of stairs, and helping guests up and down from chairs

Please send applications and resume directly to hr@lazarushouse.org.