Outreach Specialist

Company: The Rescue Mission
Location: University Place
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Full-time Description Are you passionate about connecting with our unhoused neighbors and supporting them to reach their goals? If so, Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is seeking an Outreach Specialist to be on a team that carries out our mission. At TRM, we believe that people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. Our inclusive and collaborative work environment centers families and fosters creativity, excellence, and professional growth. Purpose and Vision Statement The Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to support all people - including clients, volunteers, community partners, and staff - to become their best. We provide emergency services such as shelter and meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness. We offer supportive housing and addiction recovery programs that promote self-sufficiency, sustainable transformation, and stability. We share our Christian faith within a loving and inclusive community. We are proud to serve the Pierce County communities for over 100 years. Since 1912, we have served in the name of Jesus Christ while emphasizing the dignity of each person who enters our doors. We value the needs of our community and continually adapt to the changing needs of those who come to us for support. Job Purpose Seeks out people experiencing homelessness in Pierce County, engaging them relationally to assess their needs and connects them to appropriate resources, including the Coordinated Entry (CE) System, so that they can be housed as soon as possible. Assists with barrier reduction as needed. Essential Duties &Responsibilities Meets clients to assist them through progressive engagement and a strengths-based, client-centered approach. Collaborates with team and networks with partners. Assesses immediate housing barriers and helps clients brainstorm creative options for alternative housing arrangements. Supports clients with achieving goals and reducing barriers (e.g., enrolls clients in the Coordinated Entry (CE) system, works with clients to navigate service systems, helps clients to obtain various forms of personal identification). Timely and accurate completion of required documentation and tasks for files and electronic databases, always maintaining proper confidentiality. Operates TRM 12-passenger van in order to fulfill the responsibilities of this position (e.g., transport clients to appointments, run errands to support program needs). Prepares incident reports, vehicle maintenance reports, and other reports when requested. Cleans and picks up trash/waste as needed. Assists in cleaning work space and vehicles, performing light custodial duties. Embodies the values that form our culture to meet the organization’s mission of sharing God’s love, hope, and support with our neighbors in need to uplift communities. Performs other duties as assigned to support others and ensure an efficient and effective work environment. Working Conditions Some weekends and evenings. Works outside in inclement weather and responds during severe inclement weather episodes as needed. Works with clients who have high barriers, including but not limited to people experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and people who sometimes carry weapons for protection on the streets. Some office work, but more time spent seeking out people unhoused and living in encampments and other places not meant for human habitation. Schedule & Work Location Schedule: Monday 7am-5pm Tuesday 7am-5pm Wednesday OFF Thursday 7am-5pm Friday 7am-5pm Saturday-Sunday OFF Work Location: Downtown Campus 425 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98402 *This position includes frequent off-site outreach around the community. Requirements Experience working in street outreach for people who are unhoused, minimum of one year required. Case management experience, preferred. Experience working in Coordinated Entry and HMIS, preferred. Understanding of substance use issues in early recovery and recovery management including maintenance of professional boundaries. Ability to apply the principles of trauma-informed care, maintaining a compassionate and positive attitude in stressful situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment using effective and thoughtful interactions and communication. Bilingual in English/Spanish speaking preferred. Skilled in clear and effective written, verbal, and electronic communication with strong attention to detail. Effective de-escalation, listening, and problem-solving skills. Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to operate TRM vehicles for the purposes of fulfilling the responsibilities of this position. Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability. Acceptable driving record. Successful completion of TRM driving test. Certificates & Licenses Valid Driver's License. Professional certifications: Mental Health First Aid, preferred. Peer Support Specialist, preferred. Physical Requirements Stationary position 25% of the time. Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Occasionally moves to respond to urgent situations. Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Communicates information and ideas so others will understand. Exchanges accurate information in these situations. Observes details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 25 pounds across office for various needs. Works in outdoor weather conditions approximately 75% of the time, including inclement weather. Traverses long distances over rough terrain when visiting encampments. Drives 12-passenger van. Wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when necessary for exposure control. Benefits Medical and Dental Packages at No or Little Cost to Employees 12 Paid Holidays, Plus a Bonus Day Four Weeks’ Vacation Accrued Annually 10 Hours of Sick Leave Accrued Monthly Participation in 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match Employee Assistance Program Notes Regarding Hiring Process In order to be considered, applicants are required to provide a complete chronological resume including all work history along with dates of employment (month and year) and job responsibilities, education, and certifications. Please note that salary considerations for selected candidates will be based on related experience detailed in the resume provided via the application process. Salary: Hiring Salary Range: $24.84 - $27.32 Full Salary Range: $24.84 - $30.06 Open until filled. For best consideration, submit a completed application by Monday, April 6th, 2026. The Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national origin, age, marital status, the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, citizenship or immigration status, familial status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy outcome, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. Salary Description $24.84 - $30.06 hourly

Keywords: The Rescue Mission, Lakewood , Outreach Specialist, Social Services , University Place, Washington