Outreach Specialist (SSVF)

Outreach Specialist

Compensation: $26/hour Benefits: Free Dental & Vision, 19 Paid Holidays- Including 3 Mental Health Days, Retirement Plan with a match, Paid Training, 10-year anniversary sabbatical, Flexible Spending Accounts, Professional Development Allowance, Paid Parental Leave benefit, Discounted Pet Insurance, Affordable Health Insurance, including a free healthcare option for employees, 50% coverage paid by employer for dependents (vision, dental, health) and many more!

Company Overview For more than 50 years, Insight Housing has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven counties in the bay area - Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated to our mission of ensuring everyone in our community has a home through supportive and sustainable housing solutions.

Program Overview A Pathway to Housing for Homeless Veterans- Insight Housing Roads Home program assists low-income Veteran families experiencing homelessness to attain housing placement and housing stability. The program provides street and venue-based outreach, case management, permanent housing placement, temporary financial assistance, employment assistance, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits. The program will work with all participants to develop and carry out action plans that improve their health and wellness.

Position Summary The Outreach Specialist is responsible for supporting the Roads Home team by engaging and building rapport with Veterans experiencing homelessness. The outreach team provides outreach to individuals living on the streets by engaging in conversation and practicing active listening. The goal of the outreach team is to establish trusting relationships with individuals and connect them with the resources and services they may need. The Outreach Specialist will assess and connect participants to housing and case management assistance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide street-based outreach to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the counties Roads Home serves. Locations include but are not limited to encampments, parks, shelters, treatment facilities, health clinics, hospitals, jail, court, etc.
• Serve as the liaison between homeless individuals and the Roads Home team.
• Use active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage with people experiencing homelessness.
• Work with supervisor to monitor program enrollment and target outreach efforts to identify homeless individuals and families who have chronic health conditions and/or need medical services frequently.
• Conduct pre-screens to determine program eligibility.
• Assist with completing assessment and intake.
• Assist in linking participants with community treatment services for mental health, substance recovery, physical health care, housing, advocacy, food, and other services.
• Foster a collaborative working relationship with other outreach teams and local agencies.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of services in the HMIS system.
• Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain knowledge of HIPAA certification standards.
• Drive own or agency vehicle to the field and to other program sites, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency vehicle policy at all times.
• Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency's health and safety practices.
• Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Complete and submit timesheets in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work within the framework of Insight Housing's Code of Conduct.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• High school preferred.
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid Training.
• Prior direct support experience with Veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, substance abuse or other social issues preferred. Prior customer service experience and street-based sales or outreach experience will be considered. In recovery, formerly incarcerated, Veteran or relative of Veteran encouraged to apply.
• Must feel comfortable conducting outreach in streets and homeless encampments
• Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Understanding of and sensitivity to issues related to homeless, low income, mentally disabled, and chemically dependent persons.
• Lived or Veterans experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient in use of computer and Microsoft office suite (Word, excel, outlook and TEAMS). Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) a plus
• Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with staff and clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to provide good customer service. Communicate effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and crisis intervention skills with a can do and flexible attitude. Ability to work well under high pressure.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to receive and maintain criminal records clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to walk extensively in various terrains, in homeless encampments, uneven grounds, climb stairs etc.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly.
• May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• May be required to lift or move up to 50 lbs.

Insight Housing is an equal opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.