Outreach Advocate (Full Time)

The Community Safety Crisis and Incident Response Through Community-Led Engagement (C.program is a 24/7 unarmed response program that deploys a team of mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience to address non-violent LAPD calls related to unhoused individuals experiencing crisis. Through this public health approach, the City is able to improve community safety and outcomes for Angelenos in need of social services and support. The goals of the program are to: (1) disrupt the reciprocal relationship between homelessness and the criminal justice system by promptly responding to diverted non-violent incidents related to persons experiencing homelessness (PEH); (and (3) create enduring positive outcomes for those individuals through trauma informed rapport building, connections to services and resources, and case management.

The Outreach Advocate functions as part of a two-person Response Team (RT) consisting of an Outreach Supervisor and an Outreach Advocate. The diverted incidents will pertain to PEH and will include, but will not be limited to, welfare checks, loitering or trespassing, inadequate clothing, noise disturbances, mental health-related disturbances, a person under the influence of a substance, requests for assistance, syringe disposal, verbal disputes, and transport to shelter/resources. Under the supervision of the C.Program Manager and the Chief Program Officer, the Outreach Supervisor provides leadership in responding to diverted incidents and will also work to coordinate with local stakeholders to connect PEH to applicable services, programs and benefits.

This is a temporary, contract-funded, full-time, benefited position.

Takes direction from Outreach Supervisor to provide support to PEH.

Work with Outreach Supervisor to enroll unhoused individuals in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and update client information in HMIS.

Work with Outreach Supervisor to assess clients for income and public benefits.

Establish positive relationships with clients, staff, and other providers in community; Minimize service duplication and maximize service delivery by coordinating outreach efforts and care with Service Planning Area, lead agencies and other homeless outreach teams within CIRCLE areas.

Mentor and train staff on developing proper outreach skills, which include directing to follow proper policies and procedures.

Complete in-person and virtual trainings on time and attend all mandatory meetings.

Must comply with uniform policy while conducting outreach in the field.

At least one year of job-related experience conducting street outreach to PEH and preferably has previous lived experience in homelessness, substance abuse, or criminal justice involvement.

Ability to work well with diverse staff and clientele including cultural, language, sexual identity, gender and other diversity considerations.

Knowledge of the client population and their complex needs including homelessness, financial instability, medical and mental health, and substance abuse.

Experience in a community-based setting serving ethnically diverse, low-income clients. Knowledge of community resources and experience in community settings.

Ability to use computers/internet to look up information and enter relevant notes.

Computer knowledge/skills or ability to learn.

Language capability: Spanish

Must be in good physical condition and capable of performing job duties requiring frequent use of the entire body including ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit, drive for extended periods of time, exit and enter vehicles throughout your work shift.

Ability to use a computer, phone or office equipment for extended periods of time.

With instruction, the ability to assist persons with disabilities and to help transfer a 180 lb person and lift wheel chair in and out of a car or van.

Travel outside to various locations and on occasion, general office setting, indoors temperature controlled

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.