Homeless Outreach Specialist I
About The Position
Interfaith Community Services is hiring a Homeless Outreach Specialist I to provide field-based outreach, short-term crisis intervention, and case management to people experiencing homelessness who have Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI). The role serves the North County region and connects clients with housing, health care, and other supportive services. It also supports case conferencing and helps ensure that clients with ongoing treatment needs are connected with appropriate community-based treatment programs. The specialist works closely with behavioral health clinicians, clients, homeless outreach workers, community partners, program leadership, and staff. Outreach teams use a regionalized, neighborhood-based approach to build collaborative relationships with unhoused individuals and community stakeholders. Services include intake, assessment, referrals, advocacy, short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and linkage to longer-term services. The position maintains client records and required reporting, enters data into HMIS, CES, and other electronic systems, monitors grant and contract compliance, and protects the confidentiality of client and health information. This is an onsite position in Escondido, with scheduled hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hourly rate is $24.89–$27.83. Work includes both a climate-controlled office and outdoor community settings, potentially in inclement weather and adverse conditions. The role may involve contact with hostile people, low-to-moderate exposure to contagious diseases and unpleasant environmental conditions, frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling, and occasional lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
Requirements
- High school diploma required.
- Experience and knowledge working with disenfranchised individuals, families, and cultures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing multiple deadlines and working effectively under pressure, using independent judgment to produce quality work within time constraints.
- Experience collaborating with a team to complete projects successfully.
- Ability to analyze and interpret quantitative information.
- Advanced knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to communicate effectively across a diverse workforce and maintain sound working relationships at all organizational levels.
- Ability to work with enthusiasm, teamwork, cooperation, and a sense of urgency.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client and employee information.
- Ability to multitask efficiently, thoroughly, and with appropriate prioritization; work quickly, accurately, and independently; anticipate needs; and solve problems.
- Ability to work in a climate-controlled office and outdoors year-round in community locations and varied weather conditions.
- Physical ability to sit for extended periods and frequently stand, walk, bend, and kneel.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and balance objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to occasionally operate a vehicle, office equipment, and machines safely, and recognize and address workplace safety hazards.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and origins.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in a related social services field, or equivalent years of relevant work experience.
- Experience working with people who are severely mentally ill, medically fragile, and homeless.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Identify, engage, and connect underserved populations with substance use disorder and behavioral health services.
- Provide intake, assessment, referrals, case management, and client advocacy to homeless clients and families to support self-sufficiency.
- Build collaborative relationships with unhoused individuals and community stakeholders through a regionalized, neighborhood-based outreach model.
- Provide short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and linkage to longer-term services.
- Participate in outreach events to engage clients and connect them with services.
- Participate in case conferences, when appropriate, for clients receiving counseling services.
- Develop and maintain relationships with mental health providers to facilitate clients’ transition to longer-term services.
- Maintain accurate records and files and prepare reports required by funders and agency administration.
- Enter data into HMIS, CES, and other electronic data systems as required.
- Monitor compliance with grant and contract requirements and recommend program changes to the supervisor as needed to meet benchmarks.
- Protect the confidentiality of client information and health records.
- Meet regularly with the supervisor and participate in agency meetings and staff training.
- Provide trauma-informed and culturally competent services.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid time off.
- 13 scheduled paid holidays.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- AD&D and group life insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Matched 401(k) retirement plan.
- Early release days.
- Work anniversary bonuses.
- Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
- Home Ownership Assistance Program.
- Casual work environment.
- Professional growth and career development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
