Encampment Response Outreach Worker

St. Francis Center (SFC), a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, was established in June 1983. SFC is a refuge for men and women who are homeless in the metro Denver area. Our programs and services are tailored toward adult women and men, and focus on daytime shelter, social services, health and wellness, housing, employment, and outreach. At SFC, “guests” have the opportunity to work with a variety of specialists, depending on their individual needs, which is often the first step toward transformation and ultimately self-sufficiency.   

We are currently looking for an Encampment Response Outreach Worker. This is a Full-Time, non-exempt position eligible for an excellent benefit package as outlined below.   

POSITION OVERVIEW  

This position will work as part of the closely engaged, inter-disciplinary Encampment Response team (formerly named SOLE) alongside staff from Denver Street Outreach Collaborative (DSOC) partner agencies and the City of Denver, all dedicated to Denver’s large encampment response plan as part of Mayor Johnston’s House1000 Initiative. St. Francis Center’s contingent of this team, when fully staffed, consists of 2 Outreach Workers and 1 Outreach Case Manager.  

As a multi-agency team working alongside City agencies to address large encampments, this Outreach Worker must be a good team-player who demonstrates strong communication skills, knowledge and expertise with community resources, and is a respectful collaborator with multiple partners. This position is part of the Denver Street Outreach Collaborative (DSOC), which consists of outreach staff from St. Francis Center, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Urban Peak.  

This position is funded through 2024 and subject to further grant negotiation for the coming years.  

Job Responsibilities:  

• Engage and develop rapport with our unsheltered community members in large encampments that have been identified by the City for response, inviting them into services to work towards long-term stabilizing outcomes, utilizing trauma informed practices, motivational interviewing and person-centered methods. 

• Assist community members with access to community referrals and other resources available in the moment, and, as necessary, accompany them to appointments for medical, behavioral health, benefits, or other necessary services.  

• Liaise and coordinate supportive services within SFC, the larger Encampment Response and DSOC teams, and from other organizations  

• Participate in shared activities and responsibilities with the greater SFC Outreach team, to include: support SFC day center operations in certain circumstances, and participate in required agency meetings/retreats and ongoing trainings.  

• As an extension of DSOC, regular coordination and participation in DSOC meetings, trainings, and activities will be expected, to include: the outreach-wide’s emergency cold weather night-outreach activation plan 

 Requirements/Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, international relations, or other related field preferred or equivalent, related professional experience.  

• 1 years of outreach and/or case management experience, preferably with individuals experiencing homelessness 

• Preferred: Valid Driver’s License and willingness/ability to drive as part of work duties.  

• Strong team-player with good collaborative and communication skills. Must love being part of an inter-disciplinary team and engage in a team dynamic a majority of their work time  

• Ability to manage conflict, mitigate/respond to stressful situations and engage traumatic stories.  

• Understanding of and experience with addressing the impact of trauma, chronic medical conditions, behavioral health challenges and physical disabilities. 

• Ability to understand and maintain professional boundaries and client confidentiality.  

• Exudes professionalism and has ability to listen with care, treat community members and collaborative partners with respect and dignity, and respond to each individual’s unique needs.   

• Willingness to participate in SFC agency responsibilities and other trainings.   

• Willingness and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural, social, and economic backgrounds with various lifestyles, sexual orientations, and of all ages and genders.  

• Possesses computer skills and proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel and in HMIS 

• Maintains professional training standards in Trauma Informed Practices, Restorative Practices, Mental Health First Aid, and CPI/de-escalation trainings. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

$21 - $24/hour or DOE 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, with flexibility for a 5-day (8 hours) or 4-day (10 hours) work schedule, with some evening and occasional weekend hours expected.  

The position is eligible for a robust benefits package including:  

• Employer-paid health insurance with an HRA plan 
• Employer-paid dental insurance 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Robust pension plan (5% plus a dollar-for-dollar match of contributions up to 4% of earnings)
• Generous Employer-paid sick/vacation leave 

How To Apply: 

Qualified persons may apply by sending a cover letter, résumé, and three references to St Francis Center using this link: (created once job posting is live in Bamboo HR).  Cover letters should address your interest in this specific position, how it fits with your career goals, and identifies any relevant life experience if applicable.  Résumés without a cover letter will not be considered. Invitations for interviews will be extended upon review of qualified candidates until the position is filled. 

St. Francis Center is an Equal Opportunity employer. 

St. Francis Center (SFC) strives to create a more just, diverse, equitable, and inclusive society for our community members who experience homelessness and turn to us for refuge. This begins with how we serve our guests and residents as well as how staff, volunteers, and board members treat each other. SFC acknowledges that, as a community, we can always do better by learning from the past and by celebrating and including all voices. SFC commits to learning and growing as we consistently strive for a more equitable and inclusive society.