Director of Street Outreach

CORNERSTONES INC•Reston, VA

2d•$75,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Street Outreach provides overall direction and supervision of the Street Outreach team at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS), supporting the Homeless Healthcare Program, Hypothermia Prevention Program, Street Outreach program, and Drop-In services. The role is part of the leadership team of the Housing and Community Services Division and reports to the Division Director of Homeless Services. The Director uses a patient, trauma-informed approach and an equity lens, and ensures services are delivered with integrity in keeping with the agency’s mission, vision, and values. The position applies a Housing First approach to help unsheltered individuals move into permanent housing and is accountable for program outcomes and contractual obligations. The Director supervises outreach staff and the Hypothermia Prevention Program Coordinator, oversees services and outreach schedules, and may carry a small caseload. The role includes accompanying outreach staff to locations where unsheltered people live, including campsites and parked cars; coordinating with community partners and public agencies; and advocating for clients’ access to housing, benefits, health care, and other services. The Director also manages direct assistance funding, monitors staff time across program cost centers, maintains accurate case and HMIS records, and supports program development and evaluation. The role is based at ERCS in Reston, Virginia. Participant meetings occur at the shelter, in locations not meant for human habitation, and elsewhere in the community. Travel to other Cornerstones sites and local and regional meetings is required. Some duties are outdoors in both winter and summer; occasional driving and bike riding are part of street outreach. The schedule is a day shift, with flexibility to work nights and weekends. The position is full-time and exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable human services field, or commensurate experience with homeless and/or at-risk populations, including supervisory or management experience.
At least three years of experience in homeless services, residential services, and/or housing.
Prior experience supervising and managing homeless services programs, such as outreach, rapid rehousing, hypothermia prevention, or emergency shelter.
Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families, including people with mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities.
Comfort meeting unsheltered individuals in places not meant for human habitation, such as campsites and parked cars.
Knowledge of and belief in Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing philosophies and strategies.
Knowledge of current social service, homelessness, and housing issues and approaches for addressing them.
Knowledge or understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities, strengths-based case management, trauma-informed care, and racial equity.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills; ability to collaborate and engage effectively with others.
Ability to use HMIS to maintain case records and facilitate data collection.
Ability to schedule and manage workload to meet deadlines, prioritize competing demands, make sound decisions, and complete tasks amid frequent interruptions in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record; ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
Ability to lift items weighing 10–20 pounds, as stated in the qualifications.
Ability to safely operate a company vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a social services field or an equivalent combination of education and direct work experience.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Lived personal experience of housing instability that can help assess system barriers.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise Street Outreach staff and oversee outreach services for unsheltered single adults served at Cornerstones.
Carry a small caseload as needed.
Oversee the Street Outreach team's schedule and accompany the team to locations where unsheltered individuals are living, including campsites and parked cars.
Supervise the Hypothermia Prevention Program Coordinator and oversee the Hypothermia Prevention Program and ERCS drop-in day services.
Serve as a liaison to community groups, government agencies, and elected officials in support of local and regional strategies for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Respond rapidly to reports of unsheltered individuals in the community and collaborate with other street outreach teams.
Advocate for and assist individuals in obtaining benefits, medical and behavioral health services, substance-use services, housing referrals, and financial assistance.
Assess housing barriers and needs, and develop housing procurement, financial, and self-sufficiency case management plans with unsheltered individuals.
Mediate and advocate with landlords on clients’ behalf to support workable housing plans.
Manage state and county direct assistance funding streams.
Maintain communication among tenants, landlords, referral sources, partner agencies, debtors, and creditors.
Use knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate individuals about their rights and responsibilities.
Refer clients to credit counseling and other services that support budgeting, money management, credit-report access, and resolution of credit problems.
Document services, referrals, and transportation provided.
Assist with program development and evaluate services against local, state, federal, and agency outcomes.
Monitor staff allocation of time across program cost centers.
Maintain partnerships with the Fairfax County Office to Prevention and End Homelessness, Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax County Community Services Board, PATH, Department of Family Services, and Fairfax County Department of Adult and Aging to support integrated client care.
Maintain case and HMIS files to agency and contractual standards; serve as HMIS Super User, generate reports, and monitor data completeness and accuracy.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case staffing, community trainings, and meetings.
Supervise interns and volunteers as appropriate.
Participate in agency events and drives as needed.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.