Street Outreach and Housing Specialist

Street Outreach and Housing Specialist
STAFF MEMBER:
POSITION:Street Outreach and Housing Specialist
JOB FAMILY: Recovery Support Services
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY BAND: Hourly 3
REPORTS TO: Director of Community Engagement

Responsibilities/Summary:
The Street Outreach and Housing Specialist will engage directly with unsheltered populations, providing comprehensive case management and outreach services. The Street Outreach and Housing Specialist will work closely with individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with substance use disorders (SUD), serious mental illness (SMI), and severe persistent mental illness (SPMI), to connect them to essential services, support them in accessing housing, and help them navigate social, medical, and housing systems. The role includes conducting street outreach, assisting clients in securing identification documents, applying for Medicaid, completing housing applications, and facilitating temporary and permanent housing placements. Collaboration with housing providers, peer support services, and other agencies will be essential to provide holistic care.

Competencies:

• Ethical Conduct/Practice: Familiarity with ethical guidelines in trauma-informed care and outreach practices. Must follow culturally adapted methods for diverse populations.
• Organization: Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities and manage caseloads effectively.
• Client Engagement: Empathetic, trustworthy, and non-judgmental when working with unsheltered individuals, utilizing trauma-informed approaches.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills for building trust with clients, community partners, and staff members.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing environments and circumstances with creativity and humility.
• Decision Making: Skilled at recognizing and responding to crises, emergencies, and risks that affect client welfare and safety.
• Teamwork Orientation: Willingness to collaborate across departments, agencies, and community partners to provide comprehensive care.
• Cultural Competency: Respect for and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, with a commitment to providing inclusive services.
• Peer Engagement: Actively promote peer support models, integrating peer support into outreach and case management activities.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and client management databases is required.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct street outreach, establishing relationships and providing case management to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Assist clients with accessing identification documents, applying for Medicaid, and completing housing applications.
• Coordinate with housing providers to facilitate placements into temporary and permanent housing.
• Collaborate with peer support specialists and other agencies to provide wrap-around services that support the holistic needs of clients.
• Perform weekly follow-ups and help clients maintain permanent housing through ongoing support.
• Document client interactions and services provided in a client care database, ensuring accurate data tracking and reporting.
• Advocate for clients by connecting them to medical, mental health, and social services.
• Provide transportation to clients for critical appointments related to housing and healthcare needs.

Required Education and Experience:

• At least two years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, SUD, SMI, or SPMI. (Preferred)
• Experience in case management or a related field.
• Proficiency in working with client care databases.
• Experience with street outreach (Preferred).
• Associate’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field and/or certification as a CSAC or LCAS; Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of sustained sobriety if in active recovery.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and navigation skills.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Environment:
The work environment includes standard office settings and outdoor outreach in various weather conditions. Noise levels vary, and the role may require occasional work during evenings or weekends.

Physical Demands:
This role involves sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods. It may occasionally require lifting up to 30 pounds and transporting clients to appointments.

Travel:
This position requires travel to meet with clients in the community, attend appointments, and participate in meetings with housing and service providers.