Homeless Outreach Specialist (Grant-Funded)

City of San Bernardino•San Bernardino, CA

About The Position

The City of San Bernardino is hiring three grant-funded Homeless Outreach Specialists to engage and support people experiencing homelessness. Under general supervision, this role provides street outreach, housing linkage, and case management services, connecting individuals with resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. The work combines field activity with collaboration: locating unsheltered individuals, building trust, assessing needs, and connecting clients with housing, healthcare, and social services. Specialists coordinate with community organizations, service providers, and government agencies to support compassionate, coordinated care. The position is supported by external grant funding. Employment depends on the availability and continuation of grant funds, and the role may be modified or eliminated if funding is reduced or discontinued. The position does not guarantee long-term or permanent employment with the City.

Requirements

Associate degree with major coursework in public relations, communications, or a closely related field, and one year of responsible experience in community outreach, community engagement, community relations, organizational communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid California Class C driver’s license.
Ability to review, monitor, inspect, and report in accordance with applicable guidelines and laws.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret relevant data.
Ability to provide specialized housing, outreach, and engagement information.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written materials.
Ability to interpret and respond to internal and external customer needs.
Ability to present conclusions and recommendations clearly and persuasively.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment.
Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when addressing sensitive and complex situations.
Clear and concise communication skills, effective relationship-building skills, and customer-service skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
One year of recent responsible experience in community outreach, community engagement, community relations, organizational communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Experience working with local homeless resources, mental health, and substance use disorders.
Experience working with vulnerable populations, including people experiencing literal homelessness, people with untreated mental health conditions, and families with children.
Knowledge of local, federal, and state housing programs and requirements.
Knowledge of health, safety, licensing, laws, and compliance mandates for insurance and liability coverage.
Knowledge of research methods and statistical techniques and applications.
Knowledge of homelessness and community outreach and engagement practices.
Knowledge of Fair Housing and Affirmative Marketing.
Knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of customer service and etiquette.

Responsibilities

Visit parks, neighborhoods, and encampments to locate and engage with people experiencing homelessness.
Build rapport with clients and assess immediate needs, including shelter, food, and medical care.
Connect individuals with housing, healthcare, social services, and other community resources.
Transport clients to appointments with housing providers or social service agencies.
Coordinate care and share resources with service partners and community organizations.
Assist clients with paperwork for housing programs and benefits.
Enter case notes and service data into the County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Participate in team meetings, community workshops, and collaborative outreach events.
Review, monitor, inspect, and report in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines and laws.
Collect, evaluate, and interpret relevant data, and prepare correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.