Community Worker - Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations

About This Position

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Coordinate activities of neighborhood centers i.e. public programs, assistance programs, crisis intervention, etc.
• Distribute USDA commodities.
• Write informational reports.
• Coordinate fundraising efforts.
• Record data on appropriate form/log, etc.
• Schedule use of meeting rooms, equipment, etc.
• Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.
• Interview applicants and/or families to assess their need for assistance and/or resources.
• Speak as city representative before public groups.
• Conduct meetings.
• Develop and conduct public information and education programs.
• Review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Assign job duties and monitor task completion.
• Interview job applicants.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of record keeping procedures.
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures and regulations applicable to work being performed.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in determining needs of neighborhood residents through surveys and individual contact.
• Ability to schedule jobs to accomplish maximum effective work during a shift.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to complete applications and appeals for assistance programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to outreach work involving a variety of social service programs.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None

Preferred Qualifications:

These skills may help you become effective more quickly, but they are not required on day one. If you have some but not all of them, we still encourage you to apply.

• Previous experience working with the unhoused population or performing outreach with other community-based health organizations.
• Ability to hike long distances or uneven terrain including but not limited to parks, woods, and creeks.
• Bilingual: fluent in English/Spanish

Compensation Range:

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO) is dedicated to addressing homelessness comprehensively and compassionately. HSO’s vision is bold: Ensuring everyone has access to stable housing and the support they need to thrive. HSO is a trusted system leader, working collaboratively to ensure an efficient, accessible, and effective homelessness response. HSO makes investments that resolve individual experiences of homelessness and result in meaningful system changes and ensures that people experiencing homelessness have easy access to basic needs, outreach, crisis shelter, and other services to support survival and pathways to stable housing. Through public dialogue and intentional communication with stakeholders, HSO strengthens community trust, aligns efforts, and drives systemwide impact. HSO pursues a culture of continuous learning, creating a collaborative, supportive, and engaging workplace that centers on growth, development, and well-being. To view more information about HSO, click here: Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations | City of Austin | AustinTexas.gov)

About the Role:

The Community Worker position is about building relationships and communicating with a diverse range of people from community members to unhoused individuals. This position will spend most of its time out in the field, walking routes, and connecting with unhoused individuals who may need shelter or essential supplies. 

About the Team:

The Street and Community Outreach (SCO) Team is part of Austin’s Homeless Strategies and Operations division and connects unhoused residents with essential services and basic resources. Serving as a key entry point into the city’s Homeless Response System, the team reaches people who may not otherwise engage with services by meeting them directly in encampments and public spaces. SCO operates three geographic teams across Austin and provides supplies, direct services, referrals, and pathways to stability. The team also supports the City’s encampment management efforts by ensuring individuals are offered services before any enforcement occurs.

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

 To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!

Location: 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704

Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives. Some evening, weekend and holiday work may be required.

Criminal Background Investigation: This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation.

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:

If the same or an additional vacancy occurs within the Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the additional position may be offered to another top candidate from the same candidate pool. This may include filling other vacancies with the same job title in other division/work locations within the Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Department. Decisions on assigned selection may be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

Important Note to Applicants:

Current City employees (including temporary employees) must apply for City jobs using the Workday internal job hub rather than through the external city job site. If a current employee does not apply internally through Workday before the position is closed, their application cannot be accepted.

 Application Details:

• A detailed, complete City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications.
• Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position.
• If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we may be contacting your current and former employer listed on the application for reference checks as a part of the pre-employment verification process.
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED equivalent, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required depending on position requirements.

Additional Details:

The Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Department may close this job posting at any time after it has been advertised for seven (7) days, please apply as soon as possible if interested.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submissions, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.