Homeless Outreach Coordinator

Lee County Government•2440 Thompson Street, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a grant-funded role, and continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding. This position serves as a Homeless Outreach Coordinator, providing field-based outreach, engagement, and housing-focused support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The role centers on proactive street outreach, building trust with unsheltered individuals, completing assessments, and connecting clients to emergency shelter, housing programs, and essential services. This position supports Lee County’s Coordinated Entry system, participates in Housing Outreach & Treatment (HOT) operations, and collaborates closely with local stakeholders to promote housing stability and long-term success for clients.

Requirements

Candidates must meet any combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree in human services, social sciences, psychology, or a closely related field.
An Associate’s degree in a related field; or Two years of college-level coursework/training in human services or a related discipline; or Equivalent relevant work experience that substitutes for education on a year-for-year basis
Two years of social services or closely related experience
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Fingerprint-based background check, as required by law.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, social sciences, or a related field
Experience with street outreach, homelessness services, crisis response, or housing programs
Knowledge of Housing First practices and harm-reduction models
Experience using HMIS or similar case management systems
Bilingual preferred
Comfortable engaging marginalized individuals in informal, outdoor, or non-office settings
Communicates compassionately, clearly, and professionally
Stays calm and resourceful during crises or high-stress situations
Works effectively with diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic populations
Builds strong relationships and maintains consistent follow-through
Can manage multiple priorities and document work accurately
Values collaboration, team support, and community partnership
Demonstrates empathy, patience, and flexibility in dynamic environments

Responsibilities

Engage Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: Locate and engage unsheltered individuals and families in streets, encampments, wooded areas, parks, and other public locations.
Build rapport through consistent outreach efforts and repeated contact, emphasizing trust, empathy, and respect.
Respond to requests for outreach from community partners and law enforcement agencies.
Conduct in-person outreach during HOT events, severe weather operations, and on-call response needs.
Assess Needs and Connect Clients to Services: Complete comprehensive needs assessments and determine eligibility per federal, state, and local regulations.
Assist clients with obtaining identification documents, benefits, and essential services, including IDs, birth certificates, Social Security benefits, and SNAP.
Provide basic needs resources such as hygiene items, food, water, and essential supplies.
Conduct in-person Homeless Verifications monthly with assigned clients.
Support Housing Access and Stability: Enter clients into the Coordinated Entry System using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Develop individualized Housing Plans and track client progress toward stability.
Coordinate with shelters, housing programs, and community organizations to secure both temporary and permanent housing.
Advocate for clients in weekly By-Name List (BNL) meetings.
Help clients navigate systems and support those unable to manage housing processes independently.
Collaborate with Community Partners: Work closely with local stakeholders including: Lee Health and jail re-entry programs, Law enforcement agencies, Lee County Schools, Local nonprofits and faith-based groups, Businesses and community organizations.
Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate records, complete HMIS data entry, and generate reports in accordance with agency standards.
Drive throughout the county regularly to provide outreach and support.