Case Worker Community Outreach- Housing

Position SummaryAs part of Eau Claire County’s Community Outreach Team, the Community Outreach Case Worker will provide support, guidance, and resources to individuals and their families facing challenges related to homelessness, substance abuse, those experiencing symptoms related to mental health, and those dealing with other traumatic events. This role emphasizes building trust and establishing relationships with individuals primarily homeless. The Community Outreach Case Worker will actively engage with individuals who are homeless in the community to provide guidance, assess needs, offer resources, assist in navigating mental health and social services systems including housing to enhance client well-being and self-sufficiency and support individuals through decision making. They will work closely with the community outreach team.QualificationsConduct outreach across Eau Claire County in various public settings such as homeless shelters, hospitals, libraries, and outreach events to engage individuals who may benefit from services.Establish rapport and build trust with individuals through non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive interactions.Provide needs assessments for individuals and families, creating personalized service plans and providing ongoing support and follow-up in community settings utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction principles.Apply expertise in cognitive/behavioral therapies and/or other evidence based therapeutic interventions to help support chosen treatment methodsOffer information and support in applications for and maintaining benefit programsAssist clients in identifying and achieving personal goals related to housing, mental health, substance use recovery, and wellness, focusing on empowerment and self-advocacy.Maintain a client-centered approach while ensuring clients' autonomy and decision-making power.Connect clients to available community resources and services, such as housing, mental health care, substance use treatment, and employment.Demonstrate effective case management by utilizing best practices and evidence-based methods to ensure timely, efficient, and appropriate service delivery.Build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external service providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations for integrated client support.Organize and participate in community events, information sessions and workshops to raise awareness about available resources and servicesAccurately document and track outreach activities, client interactions, and progress toward client-defined goals ensuring compliance with legal and organizational requirementsAdvocate for clients to ensure access to essential resources and services within the community and service systems.Promote awareness of community resources and support services through education and outreach.Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and other scheduled activities; maintain open communication with colleagues, management, and external providers.Enhance professional knowledge and skills through reading, attending training events, workshops, and conferences.Use innovative strategies to identify creative approaches to solve system issues to better meet community needs Foster a positive team environment to support a deep collaborative culture within the Outreach team Provide feedback and support to team members to ensure continuous improvementAdheres to State Statues, Administrative Code, county and Department of Health and Human Services policies/procedures and social work practice standardsPerform additional duties as needed to support the mission, vision, values of the Eau Claire Department of Human Services.Training And Professional Experience QualificationsBachelor’s degree in social work or related field.Previous experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, those with disabilities, and/or a history of incarceration1 year of experience in family, children, or adult services, or successful internship completion in the relevant fieldAppointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background checks. Must have valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and access to private transportation for work-related dutiesMust possess and maintain personal automobile insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000.Desired Training And Professional Experience QualificationsHarm Reduction PrinciplesMotivational Interviewing Strength Based Case ManagementTrama Informed CareStrong knowledge of local community resources and social service systemsExcellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skillsFluency in a second language is a plusEau Claire County is not only a great place to work, but has many exciting benefits!Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual is based on years of service with the County, starting at 6.4 hours accruing each pay period (20.8 days per year), with the maximum accrual rate of 35.75 days per year.*Manager PTO accrual available upon request*Holidays: Eleven paid holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a Spring Holiday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve Day.Retirement: The County provides a retirement account in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Employees pay one-half of the actuarially required contributions.For further benefit information please click on the link: Employee BenefitsEau Claire County provides leave under the Family Medical Leave Act: Family and Medical Leave Act | U.S. Department of LaborAN IMPORTANT NOTE: This information gives only a brief summary of the plans in effect for regular, full-time Non-Represented employees of Eau Claire County and may not be all-inclusive. Eau Claire County's policies and County Code govern if there are differences between this information and the policies.01Do you have a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field?YESNO02Do you have previous experience with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, those with disabilities, and/or a history of incarceration?YESNO03Do you have 1 year of experience in family, children, or adult services, or successful internship completion in the relevant field?YESNO Required Question