Outreach Specialist - DHS

Outreach Specialist

Washington, DC | Full-Time | Exempt
Salary: $58,000 - $62,000
Reports to: Outreach Program Manager

 About Pathways to Housing DC

Pathways to Housing DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness through a Housing First approach. Our Homeless Services Team builds trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness and connects them to housing, healthcare, benefits, and other critical supports that promote long-term stability and recovery.

 Position Summary

The Outreach Specialist provides direct outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Washington, DC. Working primarily in the community, this role focuses on engagement, advocacy, crisis response, resource coordination, and housing navigation for individuals who may not independently seek services.

Approximately 75% of work is conducted in the field, including street outreach and encampment engagement. Successful candidates are compassionate, self-motivated, and committed to Housing First, harm reduction, and person-centered care.

 Key Responsibilities

Outreach & Engagement

• Build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness through consistent outreach and engagement.
• Maintain a caseload of up to 25 clients and develop individualized service plans.
• Assess client needs and connect individuals to appropriate resources and supports.
• Provide basic necessities including clothing, hygiene products, food, and transportation assistance.

 Resource Navigation & Advocacy

• Assist clients with applications for Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security benefits, and other public assistance programs.
• Connect clients to housing, medical care, mental health services, and substance use treatment.
• Navigate systems of care by connecting clients to appropriate community resources and coordinating care with external partners to ensure continuity of services, reduce barriers to care, and support positive client outcomes.
• Accompany clients to appointments and provide warm handoffs to community providers.
• Advocate for clients to access services, benefits, and housing opportunities.

 Crisis Response & Documentation

• Respond to community concerns involving individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Participate in crisis intervention and support individuals experiencing medical or behavioral health crises.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, assessments, referrals, progress notes, and incident reports in the Homeless Management Information System.
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to coordinate care and services.

 Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Strong - interpersonal, documentation, and computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage clients, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to provide respectful, person-centered, and trauma-informed services to individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to Housing First, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered services.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• 1-2 years of experience providing homeless outreach or direct services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction theory and practice.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment approaches.
• Familiarity with community resources and homeless service systems.
• Valid driver's license.

 Benefits

Pathways to Housing DC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15 days of paid vacation to start
• 11 paid holidays
• 10 paid Sick/Wellness days
• Health insurance for individuals, partners, and families
• Employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employer-paid Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Optional employee-paid benefits including Legal Coverage, Short-Term Disability, and Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits

 Why Join Pathways to Housing DC?

At Pathways to Housing DC, you'll join a mission-driven team committed to ending homelessness and helping individuals achieve housing stability, recovery, and improved quality of life. Every day, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve.

 Equal Opportunity Employer

Pathways to Housing DC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.