Outreach Client Coordinator

Summary

At Catholic Charities of Acadiana, we care for the sacred dignity of all human life-especially the most vulnerable. Every member of our team plays a vital role in building a more compassionate community grounded in our core values: Dignity of the Human Person, Solidarity, Boundless Mercy, Joyful Tenacity, Humility, and Justice. We are seeking an Outreach Client Coordinator to serve as a primary point of engagement for sheltered and unsheltered individuals seeking meals, hygiene, and other supportive services. This role combines client engagement at St. Joseph Diner and Stella Maris Hygiene Center with street outreach throughout the Lafayette area. The Outreach Client Coordinator builds trust with clients, identifies needs, completes Coordinated Entry assessments, connects individuals with appropriate CCA programs and community resources, and helps create a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment. This role is ideal for a compassionate, adaptable professional who is committed to meeting people where they are and helping connect them with the support and resources they need.

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with sheltered and unsheltered clients through consistent, trauma-informed engagement at St. Joseph Diner, Stella Maris Hygiene Center, and during street outreach.
• Complete and update Coordinated Entry assessments and other required documentation, including HMIS intake, diversion, and AMAP documentation.
• Identify client needs and connect individuals with appropriate CCA programs, including shelter, housing navigation, and case management, as well as external community resources.
• Conduct street outreach throughout downtown Lafayette and the surrounding area to engage individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and provide follow-up as needed.
• Provide transportation for clients to appointments and essential services as directed by the Case Manager Supervisor.
• Help maintain a safe, calm, and welcoming environment by monitoring client activity, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and communicating safety concerns to appropriate staff.
• Provide support during client crises and seek additional assistance or intervention when needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, including documentation of meaningful interactions, referrals, and client information.
• Participate in team communication and collaborate across programs to ensure clients receive coordinated support.
• Model professionalism, compassion, appropriate boundaries, trauma-informed care, and the values of Catholic Charities of Acadiana in every interaction.
• All other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field preferred; High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in direct client engagement or service coordination required; experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or behavioral health challenges strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of homelessness and housing programs, community resources, and referral processes.
• Strong crisis response, problem-solving, and de-escalation skills; experience with trauma-informed care strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn electronic client data systems.
• Valid Louisiana driver's license and an insured personal vehicle in which to transport clients.

Job Specifications

• Medium: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 100% of the time.
• Job Type: Full-time
• Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance