Outreach Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Outreach Specialist conducts outreach and housing navigation activities to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Outreach Specialist assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for housing, and provides linkage to ongoing supportive services. The Outreach Specialist will address the individuals’ immediate needs and work to engage them in services using best practice standards. The Outreach Specialist is the primary point of contact for individuals and provides screening, triage, crisis intervention, access to interim housing, and transportation services, with the goal of assisting individuals experiencing homelessness with moving into permanent housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts outreach activities to engage individuals experiencing homelessness and support them in pursuing permanent housing options.  
• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Provides an appropriate level of services and interventions utilizing best practices and service models to meet the individual needs of each participant. 
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Connects individuals to supportive services including: mental health, medical care, substance abuse, employment, etc as needed.
• Provides linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
• Provides transportation assistance.
• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
• Conducts follow-up activities to ensure completion of the housing plan.
• Documents services and completes data entry into HMIS database within timeframes outlined by funder and agency.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
• Attends clinical consultation, individual supervision, team meetings, and trainings as required by the funder and agency. 
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
• Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Requires use of a computer keyboard.
• Travel to off-site meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care and others.
• Current knowledge of interventions, models and principles related to best practice standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, G-Mail).
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS Homeless Management Information System.
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner).
• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services or similar field preferred.
• 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals in an outreach/navigation capacity or case management experience.
• Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS employment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.