The Street Outreach Minister provides crisis intervention, fundamental services (water, food, clothing, and blankets), and assistance with goal setting to the unsheltered homeless singles and families in Houston and the surrounding areas. There is a strong emphasis on building a rapport with those living on the street and encouraging life-change and transition to safe shelter/housing. Job Responsibilities: Conducts regular street outreach to find and engage with unsheltered homeless individuals ... more details
Job Summary:
The Street Outreach Minister provides crisis intervention, fundamental services (water, food, clothing, and blankets), and assistance with goal setting to the unsheltered homeless singles and families in Houston and the surrounding areas. There is a strong emphasis on building a rapport with those living on the street and encouraging life-change and transition to safe shelter/housing.
Job Responsibilities:
- Conducts regular street outreach to find and engage with unsheltered homeless individuals and families in the community.
- Build a trusting rapport with clients through proximity, prayer, and continued encouragement. Provide spiritual counsel, prayer, and guidance from a Christian perspective.
- Assess immediate environmental, emotional/mental, health, and addiction conditions of each client, create action steps toward resolving crisis issues, and make appropriate referrals.
- Responsible for distributing needed supplies—water, food, blankets, and other items as needed.
- Conduct Coordinated Access Assessments (housing assessment) in the field and at other locations as needed.
- Assist with navigation duties as clients are referred for housing. This includes uploading needed documentation; acquiring or providing homeless verification; and, other tasks to assist with client transition into housing.
- Collaborate with internal Star of Hope programs, Houston Police Department Outreach Teams, Coalition for the Homeless, and other homeless service agencies.
- Responsible for entering client information, case notes, and services into the client database in a timely manner.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and other development activities to increase knowledge base and understanding of trauma informed care, harm reduction, and other integral concepts in working with the homeless.
- Responsible for maintaining vehicle cleanliness, daily maintenance, and reporting of maintenance and mechanical issues promptly.
- Participate in the Annual Homeless Point in Time Count as part of the Specialized Outreach Team representing SOH.
Other Job Responsibilities
- Participate in Ministry and prayer activities, as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Skills & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or related field preferred. High school diploma or Associates degree acceptable with equal years of experience 2–4 years. Experience working with addiction, alcoholism, and mental health issues is required. Ministry experience helpful. Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work well with others and not easily manipulated. Valid Texas Driver’s License with valid personal liability insurance and acceptable driving record.
Must be able to read and have good written and oral communication skills. Ability to develop quick rapport and trust is helpful. Working with diverse populations is required.
Be able to work respectfully, professionally and in a Christ-like manner with everyone, able to maintain required client/staff boundaries and possess a willingness to serve the Lord in a ministry that deals with homeless men, women, and children.
Equipment Used: Able to operate a passenger van, tablet/computer, fax, copier, cell phone/GPS, and calculator.
Work Environment: OUTDOORS-in streets, under bridges, bayous, encampments/wooded areas in Houston and surrounding areas. Excessive driving and getting in and out of a vehicle often are required of this position. There is a high possibility of exposure to nature, outdoor elements, and environmental hazards. Also, exposure to people using drugs, being around drug use, and drug paraphernalia is likely. Dress code--SOH t-shirt with jeans with no holes/fraying or khaki pants and comfortable work boots/shoes. May wear approved shorts in the summer months with permission of supervisor. May be required to wear a uniform shirt while on duty. Work schedule may be subject to change to meet the needs of the unsheltered homeless during times of inclement weather and harsh outdoor conditions.
Relations with Others: Work closely with “street homeless”; Houston First Responders (Police) and/or Sheriff and Constables; other departments within SOH, the Men’s Development Center and Women & Family Development Center staff; and other homeless service providers. Will also need to have a comfort level with appearing in the media (television, radio, etc.) as the need arises.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds. Must be able to drive, sit, and stand for long periods of time and physically able to engage with the unsheltered homeless; kneeling, sitting on the ground, walking distances, etc.
Other: Able to support through word and action the Star of Hope “Christ-centered” Mission statement, the Faith Statement and the mission’s core values of integrity, excellence and commitment to life change.
Date Job Description Became Effective: 03/14/2024
Star of Hope is a Christ-centered, community funded, non-profit religious organization.
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of an employee assigned to this job. I have read and agree to the duties outlined above and understand that in order to adjust to changes in business, it may be necessary to modify the job, add to or remove certain duties and responsibilities, or be reassigned to an alternate position. This statement does not alter the “at will” status of employment at Star of Hope.
