Peer Outreach Specialist (Metro)

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY :

The Peer Outreach Specialist conducts outreach activities with a focus on chronically homeless and highly vulnerable individuals along the Metro Gold Line in the San Gabriel Valley. The Peer Outreach Specialist is a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) that will provide services to clients on the streets and in encampments. The MDT Metro team will work Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 2:30 pm. They bring their lived experience to the clients and the team. They will address the individuals’ immediate needs and work to engage them in the housing process.

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

• Conducts team based and individual outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from walk-ins and other collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals as part of a multi-disciplinary outreach team, including experts in mental health, substance use, and physical health –including nursing/medical staff.
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
• Connects individuals to supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, employment, etc.
• Document services and complete data entry into HMIS database.
• Provide linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
• Provide transportation assistance for the purposes of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
• Conduct follow-up activities to ensure completion of the crisis-housing plan.
• Identify appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.
• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally 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 emergency housing, transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County preferred.
• 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 preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing preferred.
• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Gmail) preferred.
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in the Homeless Management Information System preferred.
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner) preferred.
• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle preferred.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Personal familiarity with homelessness - having experienced homelessness.
• Completion of a peer case manager or peer advocacy program preferred.

Union Station Homeless Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer