Homeless Outreach Specialist

Siena Francis House•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Homeless Services Outreach Specialist works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness in the community by conducting outreach to unsheltered homeless individuals. This position will provide street-level outreach to clients assessing their needs and providing case management to achieve housing. Much of the work, from initial outreach and engagement through housing, is performed with clients on the street. The position will also collaborate with the neighbors of the Siena Francis House in regards to homeless individuals who may be in need of services. This position requires good listening and communication skills as well as the ability to problem solve and work independently in the community. The Homeless Services Outreach Specialist will collaborate with partner agencies and be the member of the MACCH Continuum of Care outreach team. The hours of this position will be primarily days but will include evening hours 1 day per week, Monday through Friday; some weekends may be required for special events. This position will report to the Case Management Supervisor.

Requirements

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Exhibit a pleasant and professional manner of speaking, proficient in the English language – proficiency in Spanish a plus.
Good writing skills using emails, completing incident reports, and note-taking for meetings. Effective and professional use of e-mail and internet tools, as needed.
Working knowledge of computers and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Publisher).
Demonstrate an appreciation of diversity and cultural sensitivity in a workplace setting.
Able to relate to and communicate with at-risk adults from various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
Excellent team partner, positive attitude; energetic; dedicated to helping the homeless.
Ability to manage and coordinate multiple tasks by organizing work processes and resources to maximize efficiency.
Excellent attendance and dependability.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
A bachelor's in social services, rehabilitation, or a related discipline, preferred but not required.
Two years of previous work experience performed with similar responsibilities.
Ability to work with Microsoft Office products.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to stand, walk, and work outside in streets, and homeless camps for up to four hours per shift.
Demonstrated knowledge of outreach methods, interviewing and assessment techniques, and provision of emergency services and referrals.
Demonstrate ability to work as a member of a team and to work effectively with other community agencies in the best interest of the participant and the agency.
A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record by the agency’s insurance company, and proof of personal vehicle insurance.

Nice To Haves

Experience (paid or volunteer) with community organizations, especially those serving adults who are experiencing homelessness, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide outreach to adults who are experiencing homelessness and may have serious psychiatric disabilities as well as substance use disorders.
Interview clients and assess their needs while they are in a community setting. Develop housing plans with clients and assist the client in the housing process including helping with housing applications and apartment searches.
Network with community members and participate in the MACCH Street Outreach team and other task forces/community meetings.
Utilize harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and Trauma Informed Care strategies and techniques.
Maintain active engagement, accessibility to and communication with clients.
Attend staff meetings and training as required.
Assists clients in identification, acquisition, utilization, and maintenance of appropriate community resources including basic food, shelter and clothing, social vocational, and mainstream benefits.
Assists clients in accessing and utilizing available transportation services including bus services; provides transport to persons served to and from needed services and resources as may be required by client need and outlined in the individualized plan.
Complete client records to include eligibility documents, assessment forms, information and referral tracking, and other records as assigned. Document case notes in a timely manner.
Respond to clients’ requests for assistance by assessing service needs and providing direct intervention, information, and referral services as appropriate. Follow-up on referrals in order to assess outcomes and provide additional services as required.
Coordinate with other internal and external staff, including MACCH partners, and programs so that opportunities for participants can be maximized.
Adhere to and practice the organization’s policy, identified techniques and procedures related to prevention and intervention of client escalation.
Adhere to the organization’s policies and practices when using organizational vehicles and/or transporting clients including the use of seat belts at all times, when in the conduct of organizational business; abide by all traffic laws and regulations; and practice safe and defensive driving techniques.
Provide education regarding the services of assigned programs to ensure that appropriate referrals are made to Siena Francis House programs, respond to agency inquiries concerning services, and attend workshops and conferences as appropriate to maintain knowledge of issues facing individuals experiencing homelessness.
Use appropriate technology tools to accomplish job functions; understand and utilize available technology as customer service, communication, and data gathering tools.
Maintain files and records of clients served, services provided, outreach activities conducted, surveys completed, and other general reporting as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.