Community Outreach Prevention Specialist

About Us:

• If you're looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

What we offer:

* Salary: $21.39-$21.87

* Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.

* Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.

* PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees.

* 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.

* Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.

* $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.

* Employee Assistance Program

* Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.

* Tuition reimbursement program

* Training and career development.

* Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions:

This position will require travel between Feeding Tampa Bay Agency site in Hillsborough County and selected location(s) in Pinellas County to provide services in designated communities. Community Outreach Prevention Specialist will ensure that clients coming from the designated communities are assessed according to the Outreach Policies and Procedures with an additional focus on screening clients in need of Financial Special Assistance, Prevention and Diversions in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing community navigation and resources for clients while properly utilizing HMIS real time data entry. This is a direct services position providing support in high need communities and populations; working in person on assigned days and work from home on other assigned days.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Directly responsible for assessing clients, and providing client evaluations for determining services, and approving those services based on policy, procedure and guidelines.
2. Take an active role in ensuring data collection is being performed based on department guidelines and that reporting of data is timely and accurate to include accurate assessment notes.
3. Ensure services are offered with a smooth and timely client flow exercising good stewardship and ensuring the Mission statement is fulfilled with each client interaction.
4. Prescreen applicants to determine services needed. Provides community resource information regarding other agencies, organizations, and ministries to meet the varying needs of clients.
5. Responsible for screening and submitting Special Assistance Services and works with the Outreach Prevention Team and Family Support Team for screening and administering Financial Special Assistance and Prevention Diversions.
6. Work collaboratively with a cross-departmental team including Case Management and the Neighbor HOPE Community Partners to assist with Financial Special Assistance, Prevention, and Diversions in the designated communities.
7. Be the daily on-site representation of Metropolitan Ministries within the designated partner sites, including but not limited to: Feeding Tampa Bay Resource Center, St. Pete Free Clinic and other high-volume locations.
8. Maintain flexibility, attention to detail and ability to pivot between grants and funding sources and all tasks assigned.
9. Handle all client information professionally, exemplifying all professional confidentiality standards. Ensure all data is being entered accurately and timely.
10. Participate in Family Support Center team meetings, in addition to Metropolitan Ministries' events and holiday efforts including Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent initiatives, and all other duties as assigned.
11. Meet personal goals and actively contribute to the achievement of the team and organizational targets/goals as stated in the KPIs and the strategic plan. Complete other tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A minimum of an associate's degree and or a minimum of 2 years' experience working with individuals who are homeless or have mental health/substance abuse issues. Must be willing to continue education on the homeless population and continue enhancing professional skills by taking the initiative to attend appropriate job-related seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Skill Requirements:

Requires heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families. Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crises professionally and diplomatically. Ability to deescalate clients with heightened emotions is preferred. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework. Demonstrates high computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams. Requires oral and written communication skills and the ability to write reports and conduct and participate in meetings. Bi-lingual preferred, but not required.

Physical Requirements:

Must have adequate hearing and speaking ability. Must be capable of working outdoors in sunlight and higher temperatures on occasion. Must have the physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina to handle job-related issues and stress. Must be able to lift 20 lbs. or more.

Other:

Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must pass required background pre-employment screening. Must be willing to travel between designated locations and have reliable transportation. Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813-209-1083 or via email at Daryl.Belluccia@Metromin.org