Outreach Specialist, TOEP (85566)

Position: Outreach Specialist, TOEP


Location: Santa Clara County (3150 Almaden Expressway San Jose Ca 95118)

Reports to : Program Manager

Employment Type: Regular, Full Time, Non-Exempt


Compensation: $30.89 Hourly


ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership - meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness : We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion : We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence : We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The goal of the Rapid Re-Housing (TOEP) program is to provide housing stability for homeless individuals and households in Santa Clara County. We aim to achieve this goal by providing participants with comprehensive supportive services to help them attain permanent housing, including outreach and engagement, intensive, individualized case management services, housing search, and temporary financial assistance.

REPORTING RELATIONSSHIP

This role reports to the Program Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client / Property Service (80%)

• Understanding of working with a diverse Homeless population in Santa Clara County
• Perform outreach services, contacting homeless persons in all places where they congregate including, encampments, shelters, etc.
• Provide home-based outreach to TOEP participants with the goal of re-engagement in program participation
• Provide outreach to potential landlords throughout San Jose, link with TOEP Housing Specialist for engagement
• Provide TOEP participants seamless linkage to TOEP Case Manager and Housing Specialist
• Encouraging participant re-engagement efforts as needed
• Transport participants in an agency vehicle, to shelter, TOEP office, or other appropriate destinations
• Refer located clients to Case Manager immediately and no later than 1 business day
• Ensure TOEP referrals meet the suitable criteria
• Track located and unable to locate referrals through internal trackers etc.
• Understand and engage in executing various outreach strategies to locate and reengage program participants in services
• Conduct intake assessments as appropriate to determine client acceptance into the TOEP program
• Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information both in writing and orally with all individuals
• Complete all appropriate data collection, HMIS data entry, documentation, paperwork, and tracking of activities within 3 business days
• Make timely and accurate decisions in emergency or crisis situations with awareness of the need for the safety of all clients, staff, or volunteers involved
• Provide access to emergency interim housing, or shelter to unsheltered program participants
• Monitor and update outreach list/referrals trackers
• Weekend and after-hour support required as needed
• Utilize supervision appropriately, maintaining open lines of communication and providing updates on activities regularly
• Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures
• Properly report any suspected cases of abuse
• Collaborate with team members to provide participants wrap-around support services
• Participate in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency
• Other duties as assigned Documentation (20%)
• Document, via progress notes in HMIS all case management activity within 3 business days and maintain all other case file paperwork and documentation
• Participate in ongoing analysis of and program alignment with industry best practices
• Proactively and consistently improve the quality and effectiveness of the program services
• Maintain thorough, accurate records of program activities with every program participant, as required by grant contracts

General (10%)

• Attend all meetings relevant to the position
• Assist with office-related tasks as needed
• Assist with other duties assigned

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers' compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED; bachelor's degree in social work or related field is a plus
• Having personal or professional experiences with homelessness Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
• Experience in developing relationships with community partners and outside agencies

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Ability to quickly build trust and rapport in interpersonal relationships
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong facilitation and mediation skills
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with community partners and outside agencies
• Able to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain priorities and meet established deadlines
• Exceptional organizational skills
• High level of flexibility and ability to prioritize appropriately
• Ability to work with people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
• Understanding of Fair Housing law and tenants' rights and responsibilities
• Understanding of and strong adherence to social work ethics
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the Internet
• Clean driving record
• Valid CA driver's license and legally required insurance; reliable transportation, ability to be added onto agency insurance (required)

Characteristics

• Desire to continually develop skills and increase knowledge through lifelong traditional and experiential learning
• Strong sense of accountability
• Values being part of a coordinated team
• Demonstrates that the work is client-centered
• Exhibits leadership qualities (e.g. modeling desired behaviors, empowering others to act,

appropriately challenging process barriers, celebrating accomplishments, etc.)

• High level of professionalism with internal and external audiences
• High level of cultural awareness, responsiveness, and competency
• Preference for fieldwork over office-based work
• Enjoys providing hands-on instruction in basic living skills