Street Medicine Outreach Specialist

Are you looking for a role that will let you use your unique life experience to connect with people, build deep trust, and save lives? The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is looking for a passionate Street Medicine Outreach Specialist (Health Promotion Coordinator I) to meet people exactly where they are. In this role, you will work with our Street Medicine Program, providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Tacoma. This position is currently funded through 9/29/2027. This is a Full-Time, 1.0 FTE project position within our Strengthening Families Division. The Street Medicine Outreach Specialist will play a key role in providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Tacoma. This position involves working directly with the unsheltered community, driving and operating outreach vehicles (cargo van and RV), packing, organizing, and distributing supplies, connecting patients to resources. The Street Medicine Outreach Specialist will also help build and maintain community partnerships and ensure a positive, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach to outreach. This position requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work in all weather conditions while navigating the complexities of homelessness. Based on our internal compensation review process, the starting hourly wage for this position is $31.87 –$34.12. We make decisions on higher starting salaries based on experience, education, and qualifications. The full salary range for this position is $31.87- $43.11 per hour. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package that includes insurance (health, dental, vision, life), retirement plan options, generous leave accruals, annual cost of living salary increases, employee programs, and more. Visit our benefits webpage to learn more. This is an entry‑professional classification that supports the implementation of prevention strategies, community health promotion programs, and policy development efforts. Responsibilities include considerable individual client contact, managing referrals to community programs and resources, and extensive contact with community groups and organizations to promote Department initiatives. Distinguishing Characteristics This position is the second level role of the Health Promotion Coordinator (HPC) series. An employee assigned to this classification will work independently under the supervision of a supervisor. This role requires strict adherence to well-defined directives, instructions, and procedures, and complies with local, state, and federal confidentiality policies. Position Series Health Promotion Technician Health Promotion Coordinator I Health Promotion Coordinator II Health Promotion Coordinator III Career Path Options Options to continue your career at the Health Department depend on your interest, education, and training. Possibilities beyond the position series include: Office Administrator Communications Specialist I, II Executive Assistant II Technical Assistant Essential Functions Builds rapport with clients and provides health education, instruction, and information in a manner that clients can easily understand and addresses barriers to access to services. Gather, share, and assess information to identify efficient and effective interventions utilizing strategies that are evidence-based and culturally responsive and trauma informed. Conducts educational and informational programs for culturally diverse audiences of staff, clients, community groups, and professionals. Collaborates with clients, community members and coalitions, businesses, schools, partner providers, and other organizations to plan, coordinate, and staff community events. Examples of Key Duties The items in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic, and duties may change based on business needs. Any new duties will remain within the scope of the job. Safely operate and maintain the cargo van and RV, transporting team members, medical supplies, and outreach materials to designated service locations. Ensure that vehicles are stocked with necessary supplies and maintained to remain operational during outreach. Prepare and organize the cargo van and RV with supplies such as hygiene kits, food, clothing, and healthcare resources for distribution. Ensure supplies are securely packed, organized, and easily accessible during outreach. Regularly organize and count inventory, including 50 lbs weight limit supplies such as hygiene items and medical kits. Keep accurate records of supplies and ensure that materials are replenished as needed for each deployment. Collect relevant data during outreach activities, including participant details, service needs, and resource distribution. Input collected data into digital or paper systems accurately and promptly, ensuring proper documentation of all services provided. Set up outreach stations at deployment locations, ensuring the area is organized, safe, and ready to serve individuals in need. Ensure that outreach materials and supplies are accessible and that the environment is conducive to providing care. Distribute essential resources such as food, hygiene products, and clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness in all weather conditions. Provide a trauma-informed approach, offering respect and empathy when engaging with people in need. Assist individuals in completing their health insurance applications online through WA Healthplanfinder. Help individuals navigate the online enrollment process, ensuring they are connected with the healthcare services available to them. Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of outreach vehicles, ensuring they are safe, sanitary, and ready for use in subsequent outreach sessions. Regularly clean and disinfect the vehicles as part of the team's health and safety standards. Attend team meetings to stay updated on outreach goals, community partnerships, and operational improvements. Collaborate with the team to strategize on expanding service delivery and improving engagement with the unhoused community. Conduct outreach and distribute supplies in varied weather conditions, including rain and cold temperatures. Ensure appropriate gear and clothing are available for both the staff and the individuals served to ensure safety and comfort. Build and nurture relationships with community organizations, local businesses, and other service providers to expand resources and improve outreach efforts. Work with partners to create new resources and ensure the continued availability of essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Builds rapport with clients and provides health education, instruction, and information in a manner that clients can easily understand and addresses barriers to access to services. Gather, share, and assess information to identify efficient and effective interventions utilizing strategies that are evidence-based and culturally responsive and trauma informed. Assist clients in navigating the healthcare system and public health programs by phone and in person to help clients successfully participate in medical and/or behavioral care. Connects clients to community resources necessary to achieve healthy outcomes. Engage with community partners to increase awareness and prevention of public health issues, such as violence, childhood health and mortality, oral health, and substance use (tobacco, opioids, alcohol, etc). Identify and address health-related social needs. Make referrals to local human service systems to support clients and address their needs, including housing, food, personal safety, transportation, childcare, chronic disease management, maternal and child health, behavioral health, and medical treatment and intervention. Collect and maintain accurate program data and records. Gather and maintain information relevant to the needs of target populations and communities. Conduct educational and informational programs for culturally diverse audiences of staff, clients, community groups, and professionals. Build and maintain relationships with community partners. Collaborate with clients, community members and coalitions, businesses, schools, partner providers, and other organizations to plan, coordinate, and staff community events. Use purchasing card to make purchases for the assigned program. The work you do might require you to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid Claiming Program. Perform other duties as assigned. Safety & Emergency Preparedness Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices. Understands and properly follows established procedures in preventing and responding to unsafe or emergency situations. Identifies and reports potentially unsafe practices or conditions. Operates equipment, tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and understands processes for reporting an accident or injury. Understands and applies knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform assigned emergency response role during an emergency. When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned duties and responsibilities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time and reporting to a location other than the department with different working conditions and physical requirements. You are expected to participate in emergency preparedness activities including our emergency notification system, WA SECURES. Drills and real-world events may take place at any time. For a full description of the classification specification click here. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of local resources for housing, healthcare, and food assistance. Strong communication skills and ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health and substance use issues. Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with privacy laws, including HIPAA. Intermediate knowledge of standard Microsoft Office programs, databases, virtual meeting software Knowledge of marketing and communications principles and presentation techniques for culturally diverse audiences. Skill in meeting facilitation. Knowledge of health promotion education principles, practices, methods, and materials creation. Knowledge of social science assessment, intervention, and consultation principles and practices. Strong organizational skills Skilled in interviewing and assessment techniques for culturally and socio-economically diverse populations. Knowledge of resources and agencies available within the community. Skilled in maintaining sensitive and confidential data and using discretion when sharing information. Skilled in communication: Listens to others and communicates in an effective manner. Asks questions in ways that enhance the clarity, quality, and reliability of information. Understands and learns from what others say, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Grasps the meaning of written information and applies it to work situations. Conveys ideas and facts using language the audience will best understand, taking into consideration the audience and nature of the information. Writes in a clear, concise, and organized manner for the intended audience. Foundational Competencies Knowing and managing oneself: Understands that all equity, trauma-informed, and restorative practices start with oneself. Exercises a high degree of self-reflection, personal accountability, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. Is willing to learn, apply, and model agency values and ethical standards. Restorative practices and conflict resolution: Articulates through words and actions authentic commitment to create an environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and afforded equal opportunities and impartial treatment. Centers work inequity and trauma informed and restorative practices to achieve and maintain collaboration and teamwork and to effectively work with historically underrepresented and/or underserved populations to advance community health. Utilizes restorative practices to address harm and promote healing to strengthen relationships between individuals and social connections within communities. Collaboration and engagement: Provides balanced and objective information to help teammates, partners, and the public understand problems, alternatives, opportunities, and solutions. Works directly with partners within the Department, in the community, and members of the public affected by the work to obtain feedback and understand diverse points of view, concerns, and aspirations. Identifies preferred solutions together, incorporating advice and recommendations to the maximum extent possible. Evidence informed practices and decision-making: Applies evidence informed practices and methodologies to achieve the greatest impact in delivery of services to internal and external customers and partners. Incorporates the social determinants of health into public health work. Integrates research and evidence into the decision-making process. Seeks to systematically identify and eliminate inequities resulting in differences in health and in overall living conditions. Utilizes evidence informed practices to increase equity in systems and policy. Creates a robust culture of assessment and evaluation and continuous process improvement. Cross cultural communication and Engagement: Understands that cultural awareness, appreciation, and humility can only occur when you practice curiosity and open-mindedness. Operates with a high level of humility and cultural agility to achieve effective intercultural communication, engagement, and collaboration in the workplace and in the community. Is open to feedback and continuously self-reflects on one’s own actions and responses. Centers personal accountability on the Department’s mission, values, and ethical standards. Requirements Associate’s degree. 3 years of relevant experience in a health, environmental, education, government, or other public sector organization. 1 year of experience working with underserved communities preferred. Experience working in homeless outreach, community engagement, or healthcare. Experience in social services, community outreach, or healthcare, especially with underserved populations such as people experiencing homelessness. We will consider any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position. Professional Certifications, Licensure, and Other Requirements Valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s abstract required prior to employment. Ability to operate a cargo van and RV. Certified Peer Support Specialist (Required) Must have personal lived experience in houselessness, mental health or substance use recovery, or be a parent or legal guardian of a youth who has received behavioral health services to receive this certification. WA Healthplanfinder Navigator Certification. (Required) Bilingual in Spanish, or another language largely spoken in Pierce County preferred. First aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain upon hire. Work Environment Work is performed in a variety of settings: in an office, out in the community, nursing facilities, cultural centers, homeless encampments, roadsides, wooded trails, etc. Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in office environments and in the community. Work may be performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, snow, and rain, leading to exposure to hazards related to heat or cold exposure. The potential for dealing with dissatisfied, inebriated and/or emotional, or angry customers exists requiring skills in conflict resolution. Physical and Cognitive Demands Regularly required to sit or stand continuously. Regularly communicate clearly in‑person, over the phone, and via written communication, including communicating with dissatisfied or angry individuals. Capable of reading physical and electronic documents and working for prolonged periods on a computer monitor. Fine motor skills sufficient to grip and manipulate paper and operate a telephone, computer mouse and keyboard, and complete a trigger pull motion. Reaching and gross manipulation capabilities sufficient to pick up and use standard office supplies. 1‑3 times per month, reaching overhead for tent setup and frequently stooping. Frequently required to perform work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold. May require walking/traversing up to 1/2 mile (ie: from parking to the booth) at community events while transporting supplies. This position may require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 50 pounds. Frequently operate a motor vehicle locally in any lighting conditions and various weather conditions, including rain. Maintain concentration and attention for extended periods of time. Regularly maintain situational awareness of surroundings to identify and address potential safety issues. Regularly work effectively in the presence of visual, auditory, or other distractions. Work effectively when exposed to workplace stressors, such as emotional and/or confrontational individuals. Learn, recall, and apply specialized information. Tools and Equipment Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, filing cabinet, computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, etc.) Driving Large vehicles (including a cargo van and an RV) transporting staff and volunteers to include. Some positions may require the use of specialty equipment (e.g. XRF tools, large printers, etc.) Hand trucks Travel Travel is required (80% of the time), and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend training. Click Here for more details on reasonable accommodations, safety, risk management and more. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department