Homeless Outreach Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Homeless Services Outreach Specialist

Report to Re-Housing/Re-integration Program Manager

Supervises None

FSLA Status: Non-exempt

Job Purpose:

The Homeless Services Outreach Specialist works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness in the community by conducting outreach to unsheltered homeless individuals. This position will provide street-level outreach to clients assessing their needs and providing case management to achieve housing. Much of the work, from initial outreach and engagement through housing, is performed with clients on the street. The position will also collaborate with the neighbors of the Siena Francis House in regards to homeless individuals who may be in need of services. This position requires good listening and communication skills as well as the ability to problem solve and work independently in the community. The Homeless Services Outreach Specialist will collaborate with partner agencies and be the member of the MACCH Continuum of Care outreach team. The hours of this position will be primarily days but will include evening hours 1 day per week, Monday through Friday; some weekends may be required for special events.

This position will report to the Case Management Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Provide outreach to adults who are experiencing homelessness and may have serious psychiatric disabilities as well as substance use disorders.
• Interview clients and assess their needs while they are in a community setting. Develop housing plan with clients and assist the client in the housing process including helping with housing applications and apartment searches.
• Network with community members and participate in the MACCH Street Outreach team and other task forces/community meetings.
• Utilize harm reduction, motivational interviewing and Trauma Informed Care strategies’ and techniques.
• Maintain active engagement, accessibility to and communication with clients.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Assists clients in identification, acquisition, utilization, and maintenance of appropriate community resources including basic food, shelter and clothing, social vocational, and mainstream benefits.
• Assists clients in accessing and utilizing available transportation services including bus services; provide transport to persons served to and from needed services and resources as may be required by client need and outlined in the individualized plan.
• Complete client records to include eligibility documents, assessment forms, information and referral tracking, and other records as assigned. Document case notes in a timely manner.
• Respond to clients’ requests for assistance by assessing service needs and providing direct intervention, information, and referral services as appropriate. Follow-up on referrals in order to assess outcomes and provide additional services as required.
• Coordinate with other internal and external staff, including MACCH partners, and programs so that opportunities for participants can be maximized.
• Adhere to and practice the organization’s policy, identified techniques and procedures related to prevention and intervention of client escalation.
• Adhere to the organization’s policies and practices when using organizational vehicles and/or transporting clients including use of seat belts at all times when in the conduct of organizational business; abide by all traffic laws and regulations; and practice of safe and defensive driving techniques.
• Provide education regarding the services of assigned programs to ensure that appropriate referrals are made to Siena Francis House programs, respond to agency inquiries concerning services, and attend workshops and conferences as appropriate to maintain knowledge of issues facing individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Use appropriate technology tools to accomplish job functions; understand and utilize available technology as customer service, communication, and data gathering tools.
• Maintain files and records of clients served, services provided, outreach activities conducted, surveys completed, and other general reporting as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in English; Spanish proficiency is advantageous.
• Ability to effectively communicate and relate to individuals experiencing homelessness, drawing from personal lived experience where applicable.
• Writing skills for emails, incident reports, and meeting notes.
• Appreciation of diversity and cultural sensitivity in the workplace.
• Positive attitude, dedication to helping the homeless, and the ability to maintain professionalism.
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work effectively in a team.
• Dependability and adherence to confidentiality.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of relevant experience, which can include personal experience overcoming homelessness.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Experience (paid or volunteer) with community organizations, particularly those serving homeless adults, is desirable.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods, including standing and walking.
• Knowledge of outreach methods, interviewing techniques, and emergency service provision or willingness and ability to learn these skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and community agencies.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, along with proof of personal vehicle insurance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is an office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. This position will require being outside at times and exposed to the weather conditions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Siena Francis House provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Siena Francis House is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: -verify/employees

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms. The work environment may have extended working hours, frequent time constraints, and shifting priorities, contributing to physical and mental stress. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision

The Siena/Francis House welcomes, shelters, and empowers individuals experiencing homelessness to navigate their own path to safe and appropriate housing. The Siena/Francis House provides low barrier emergency shelter to meet the immediate needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness, and assists them in resolving their housing crisis.