Street Outreach Specialist

Reports To: Outreach Program Director 

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt  Program Area: Street Outreach 

Position Summary

The Street Outreach Specialist provides outreach, engagement, and navigation services to individuals experiencing homelessness who also have a serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders and other populations over represented in homelessness . The Specialist connects participants with housing programs, mental health services, and other stabilizing resources, while reducing barriers through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and persistent support.

This role requires exceptional relational skills, documentation accuracy, and field-based adaptability. The Street Outreach Specialist builds trust over time and walks alongside participants as they move toward housing, recovery, and wellness.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach & Engagement (40%)

Conduct regular outreach to identify and engage individuals experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness

Build trust through consistent, trauma-informed, and non-coercive relationships

Connect individuals to emergency services, shelter, food, ID recovery, and safety resources

Submit SOAR Disability claims quarterly*

Navigation & Housing Support (30%)

Assist clients with accessing mental health care, substance use treatment, and housing navigation

Help gather essential documentation for housing applications and coordinated entry referrals for households prioritized by the Boise City/ Ada County COC

Advocate for participants during case conferencing and with community partners

Utilize harm reduction and strengths-based approaches to support recovery goals

Documentation & Data Management (20%)

Maintain timely and accurate records in HMIS and PATH* data systems

Complete intake forms, consent, assessments, referrals, and service plans per grant requirements

Ensure data meets PATH funding and compliance standards

Team Collaboration & Community Coordination (10%)

Coordinate with mental health providers, shelters, law enforcement, and hospitals

Participate in weekly team meetings, training, and reflective supervision

Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and solutions-focused team environment

Core Competencies & Interpersonal Skills

Collaborative Team Member Interacts with team members professionally and respectfully. Adheres to organizational values

Trauma-Informed Practice  Engages with empathy, creates psychological safety, and avoids re-traumatization.

Persistence & Patience  Builds trust over time and stays engaged even through slow progress or resistance.

Cultural Humility  Approaches all interactions with openness, respect, and awareness of systemic inequities.

Boundary Setting  Supports clients with compassion while maintaining healthy, professional limits.

Documentation Accountability  Meets deadlines, documents thoroughly, and protects participant confidentiality.

Field-Based Flexibility  Adapts quickly to changing environments, client needs, and community systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, SMI, or substance use disorders

Knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care

Familiarity with Boise-area housing, mental health, and social services systems

Strong communication, organization, and emotional regulation skills

Proficiency in using data systems, including HMIS (preferred)

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Work Environment

Field-based, full-time position; requires regular travel within Ada County

Some flexibility in schedule; occasional evening outreach or meetings

Reports to OPH Connect Program Director; works closely with outreach and CES team

Ada County Connect is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals with lived experience of homelessness, mental illness, or systemic barriers are strongly encouraged to apply.

What We Are Offering

Full-time position based in Boise with some community travel required

32-hr work week paid at 40 hours per week

$ 45,760.00 annual salary

Competitive benefits package