Outreach Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Title:   Medical Outreach Case Manager 

Department:  Kennedy Emergency Shelter 

Reports to:   Assistant Director of Programs  

Salary:              $52K-$56K 

FLSA Status:    Exempt 

About Us: 

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.  Since the organization's inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence.  In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.) 

About the Role: 

The Medical Outreach Worker is a key member of the street outreach team serving the Kennedy Emergency Shelter programs. This position provides intensive, healthfocused case management and medical outreach services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The Medical Outreach Worker collaborates closely with a Fairfax County Health Department Nurse Practitioner and other multidisciplinary partners to identify, engage, and build rapport with clients. Responsibilities include providing transportation to medical and dental appointments, connecting individuals to a consistent "medical home," coordinating health services, and offering ongoing medical support. This role utilizes a traumainformed, harmreduction approach and meets clients where they are to promote trust, safety, and improved health outcomes 

This position requires strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and comfort working in nontraditional environments, including campsites, wooded areas, parked vehicles, and other locations not meant for human habitation.  

How you will contribute: 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Street Outreach & Engagement 

• Actively seek out, identify, and engage unsheltered individuals throughout Fairfax County's Region 1 locations. 

• Build rapport and establish trust with individuals experiencing homelessness in locations not meant for habitation, including campsites, wooded areas, parked cars, hypothermia shelters, and drop-in centers. 

• Maintain a consistent outreach schedule while remaining flexible to respond to emerging sites and community referrals. 

• Respond to community requests regarding unsheltered individuals. 

• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary Homeless Healthcare Program (HHP) team to connect individuals to a medical home. 

Medical Outreach & Transportation 

• Utilize agency vehicles to transport unsheltered individuals to medical and dental appointments. 

• Coordinate closely with the Fairfax County Health Department Nurse Practitioner to facilitate medical assessments, follow-up care, and referrals. 

• Document all transportation and medical coordination services in accordance with agency and contractual requirements. 

• Build rapport with medically vulnerable clients who may be disconnected from traditional services. 

Case Management & health Stabilization 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments  

• Complete biweekly dental services by signing up participants, maintaining the schedule, and transporting participants. 

• Coordinate transportation for medical appointments when appropriate 

• Utilize a strength-based, person-centered approach to develop individualized service and health plans with clear goals and measurable action steps. 

• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and stabilization services as needed. 

• Conduct health workshops for those who are experiencing homeless  

Service Coordination & Advocacy 

• Actively assist individuals in accessing showers, laundry, food, medical care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, employment services, training, and other critical supports. 

• Maintain consistent communication between participants, referral sources, healthcare providers, and community partners. 

• Ensure integrated care management through collaboration with: 

• Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) 

• Fairfax County Health Department 

• Community Services Board (CSB) 

• PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) 

• Department of Family Services (DFS) 

• Department of Adult and Aging Services 

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferencing, and community-wide trainings. 

Documentation & Compliance 

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation of services, referrals, transportation, and case notes. 

• Enter and update data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in compliance with agency and contractual standards. 

• Ensure case files meet all agency, funding, and regulatory requirements. 

• Meet or exceed performance outcomes and contractual benchmarks. 

General Responsibilities 

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and professional development opportunities. 

• Safely operate Shelter House vehicles in accordance with agency policies. 

• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite and agency databases effectively. 

• Uphold Shelter House's core values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned in a fast-paced, high-demand environment. 

• Work an adjusted schedule to meet client needs. 

About You: 

Required: 

• A bachelor's degree in human services/ related field or commensurate experience 

• 2+ years of case management/ direct services/other related experience 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and make sound judgements 

• Ability to complete tasks while navigating frequent interruptions 

• Ability to deliver creative, resourceful solutions to unique challenges 

• Strong organizational and time management skills 

• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation 

• Ability to Drive a 15-passenger van 

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed 

Preferred: 

• Foreign Language fluency in a language other than English (ex. Spanish, Farsi, Arabic or Amharic) 

• Experience with providing services to clients experiencing homelessness, mental health, or substance abuse issues 

• Experience utilizing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) 

Physical Requirements: 

• Annual TB Test is required 

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods 

• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds 

Benefits

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match 

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off 

• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department. 

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:  

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.