Homeless Outreach Specialist

Lifestream Behavioral Center•Eustis, FL

50d

About The Position

LifeStream is a behavioral health and social services organization that provides high-quality treatment, education, care management, rehabilitation, child welfare, primary care and homeless services to children, adolescents, and adults. Located in Central Florida, LifeStream primarily serves the residents of Lake, Citrus and Sumter Counties, with additional programs located in Orange, Marion, Hernando counties. JOB SUMMARY: The Homeless Outreach Specialist will identify and build rapport with homeless individuals. Will assist clients in breaking the cycle of homelessness by moving from accessing, to linking to necessary social services, and rapidly obtaining permanent housing. Will provide individualized client support throughout by developing a service plan to address barriers, increase personal income, and become housing ready. The plan will identify areas in which clients need assistance to accomplish outlined goals and objectives (i.e. obtaining identification, accessing social services, scheduling appointments, applying for benefits).

Requirements

Must possess excellent verbal skills, computer skills, and written communication skills
Possess knowledge of company policies and procedures
Knowledge of programs and services desirable
Knowledge and belief in "Housing First" philosophy and strategies
Excellent organization skills are essential
Requires knowledge of understanding of client's rights and responsibilities
Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords
Sensitive to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served
Concentrated record keeping, budgeting, and mathematical skills
Ability to produce required reports to federal, state, and local government agencies and funding sources
High School diploma or equivalent required
Must receive SOAR certification with six (6) weeks of hire
Minimum of One (1) year experience in behavioral healthcare and/or one (1) year experience with the homeless population required
Must be Over the age of 21 required
Minimum of 5-years driving experience required
Possess a Valid FL Driver's license (within 30 days of hire if currently do not possess)
Possess a continuously valid US Driver's license for the past three years, from date of issue required
Safe Driving record required

Responsibilities

Perform program enrollment with the new clients at initial visit. Ensure they are oriented to drop-in center protocols and policies.
Provide supportive services in a nonjudgmental manner.
Provide information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy to assist clients in accessing services and resources.
Oversee daily safety/cleanliness inspections of showers, laundry rooms, and common areas.
Assist clients with procuring necessary documents and services such as identification card, birth certificate, social security income, disability income.
Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients such as subsidized housing, Section 8, and VASH, as well as permanent supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities.
Maintain client related data tracking systems including case notes and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) entries.
Prepare case-related reports including outcomes, successes, and challenges.
Generate client data for monthly reports.
Maintain complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines.
Complete follow-up and retention services and provide back-up documentation in client files.
Outreach to community, business owners, and other service providers to identify new and existing opportunities and build strong relationships to better assist clients in accessing resources, employment, supportive services, and housing opportunities.
Respond to community requests for street outreach intervention.
Participate in meetings and trainings as directed by LifeStream and funder.
Network with other agencies, coalitions, and local community groups.
Observe and assess agitation levels in order to proactively defuse potentially aggressive situations in the center.