Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Outreach & Engagement Specialist

Conducts screening and assessments to individuals seeking Safe Parking services at various safe parking sites. Partners with outreach teams to provide needed outreach to the unhoused community - linking them with both shelter and housing resources. Works closely with staff to provide input and guidance regarding screening, assessment and subsequent referrals. Coordinates and initiates services with other public and private agencies providing services to the homeless population.

What we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

• Bachelor's Degree
• High School Diploma with 2 years of experience providing direct services, preferably with homeless or other vulnerable populations.
• Must be CPR certified or obtain CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
• Knowledge of or familiar with community resources in SLO County is preferred

As an Outreach & Engagement Specialist you will:

• Proactively engage clients living on the street using creative, relationship-building approaches to reach individuals with long histories of homelessness, significant trust barriers, mental health needs, or substance use challenges. Conducts program assessment and develops individualized case plans with short- and long-term goals, including clear steps toward achieving those goals.
• Provides referrals aligned with client goals, advocates with agencies and service providers to reduce barriers, and follows up to ensure timely access to needed services. Supports clients in adjusting to housing by engaging them around goals, life skills, hobbies, boundary-setting, and other activities that promote stability. Includes housing retention advocacy.
• Monitors Case Management Plan with goals and responsibilities. Communicates regularly with community partners and funding agencies to ensure goal achievement. Communicates with clients, at minimum, once weekly.
• Completes check-in and check-out procedures at various safe parking locations, including but not limited to new participant intakes, screenings, and communication of rule violations.
• Monitors Safe Parking locations for safety, rule violations, and cleanliness and communicates with various internal and external partners to ensure these items are rectified in a timely manner.
• Assists case managers in outreach, screens and assigns prospective clients for Safe Parking services. Tracks client assignments.
• When appropriate, assists Safe Parking participants with assistance in accessing appropriate services such as car repair, job training, etc.
• Ensures data/client information is entered into Safe Parking spreadsheet, HMIS, and other databases.
• Works within the Housing Programs team to provide linkage to stable housing. Under supervision of the manager, assesses participants for barriers and provides client-centered care plans to help participants achieve stability in housing.
• Attends weekly case conference meetings, team meetings, trainings, and public meetings as needed
• Attends quarterly CES meetings with community partners to ensure project outcomes. Provides CES assessments for individuals experiencing homelessness and assists participants in navigation of resources within the CES.
• Provides relevant referrals to agencies and service providers based upon the goals and objectives mutually agreed upon with the client.
• Maintains a professional relationship with clients and conducts all business-related activity according to program policy and standards relevant to the case management field. Supports staff in monitoring client behavior regarding compliance issues and follow-up; provides consistent limits and expectations regarding program policies and goal achievement. Maintains client confidentiality in accordance with program policies and applicable laws.
• Will provide services under the CalAIM CenCal medical billing. This position will provide services under Housing Transition Navigation Services (HTNS) to help participants with Cencal find, apply for, and secure stable housing. and Enhanced Care Management, helping participants with complex clinical needs coordinate medical appointments and services.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers and community partners.
• Provide follow-up support, linkage, referrals, and crisis intervention to all clients until they are housing navigation and case managed through CES.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.