OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Division: Program Operations
Department: Outreach
Reports to: CEO
Role: Full-time, Regular, Non-Exempt


WHO WE ARE
People Loving Nashville (PLN) focuses on the healing power of community to bring love and dignity to those who are unhoused or somewhere along their homefulness journey through:

Relief in the form of food, drink, clothing, and emergency supplies
Community through our consistent and growing outreach gatherings
Connection to resources that can offer long-lasting support
Restoration of what has been taken away or never given to start with for the most vulnerable of our city
People Loving Nashville is a faith-based organization with a foundation based on  biblical concepts. 


THE ROLE
As the Outreach Specialist, you will work on an outreach team of two, responsible for a caseload of 7-10 clients (referred to as friends and/or neighbors internally).  You will work to provide consistent relief efforts leading to trust and community with our clients. The outreach teams will attend outreach programs, establish relationships, and provide critical resources and long-term support on their road to Homefulness. Though you will participate in relief and community through our outreach events, the main function of the Outreach Specialist is to facilitate connection to our neighbors.  You will work with the community to bring opportunities for mainstream resources and housing navigation.

The outreach teams report directly to the CEO with additional guidance from the Director, Program Operations and Director, Restoration & PLN Industries. Each two-person outreach team will consist of a Senior Outreach Specialist and Outreach Specialist.  Alongside each outreach team will be a team of volunteers to support the needs of each individual client on their housing journey. An ideal candidate for this role is someone who has a passion for service. You are an empathetic listener and you’re able to provide the connection our clients need to resources and communicate the process clearly. You are able to lovingly set and enforce boundaries for yourself and your clients. You are a team player and excited to work for an organization that is mission and faith-driven. 


WHAT YOU'LL DO 

• Maintain a roster of 7-10 clients in the outreach team ensuring their progress throughout the program and providing transparent client communication on their progress
• Provide support through building trust and relationships with the most vulnerable in Nashville and identify clients  who are looking to enter into the Homefullness Journey 
• Collaborate with resource networks to ensure clients are able to get mainstream benefit resources needed throughout their housing journey
• Attend weekly outreach programs to identify and provide relief through connection 
• Generate weekly reports on each client and their progress and needs
• Attend community engagement meetings, forums, and roundtables to understand policy and resource changes and advocate for the community we serve
• Respond to need inquiries that come through various channels of communication to PLN
• Apply for and assist neighbors in locating and acquiring permanent housing or a positive outcome after experiencing homelessness
• Utilize outreach gatherings and programs to bring relief efforts to the most vulnerable
• Perform other duties to support Outreach, Programs, and PLN, as assigned

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• You support the work, mission, and values of People Loving Nashville 
• You have the desire to meet people where they are and a passion for service
• You have at least 2 years  of experience in street outreach serving individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use, and/or homelessness, preferably in the Nashville area
• You are an effective communicator, whether that’s in person, by email, or phone and you’re able to communicate easily with people from varying walks of life; you’re a  patient and an attentive listener
• You are flexible and adaptable to the needs of a grassroots organization and willing to jump in where needed.
• You’re a natural collaborator and work well in a team setting; you are willing to do what needs to be done to ensure the support of the clients 
• You have a demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks
• You have excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines independently
• You have a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance
• You are willing to work outside conventional business hours; including nights and weekends on occasion and as needed

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCES  

• You are bilingual (Spanish language preferred)
• You have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field; or equivalent experience in the social services field.

HOW TO APPLY

• Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
  
• Include your last name and the position title in the subject.  (example, “Jones – Outreach Specialist”.)
  
• Include your cover letter and resume as pdf attachments titled “YourNameLetter” and “YourNameResume.” ​
• In your cover letter, please tell us how you found out about this opportunity and whether you have applied for a position at People Loving Nashville in the past.