Homeless Outreach Specialist

City of San Bernardino•San Bernardino, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Homeless Outreach Specialist is a role dedicated to engaging and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness within our community. Working under general supervision, this position focuses on street outreach, housing linkage, and case management services to connect individuals with vital resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. This role requires a balance of fieldwork and collaboration, including canvassing areas to locate unsheltered individuals, building trust and rapport, assessing immediate needs, and connecting clients to housing, healthcare, and social service programs. The Homeless Outreach Specialist also works closely with community organizations, service providers, and government agencies to ensure individuals receive coordinated and compassionate care. This is a meaningful opportunity for someone who is passionate about public service and eager to make a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable community members.

Requirements

Possession of an Associate Degree with major coursework in public relations, communications, or a closely related field.
One (1) year of responsible experience in community outreach, community engagement, community relations, organizational communications or a related field.
A valid California Class C driver’s license is required.
Knowledge of local, federal, and state housing programs and requirements.
Knowledge of health, safety, licenses, laws, and compliance mandates for insurance and liability coverage.
Knowledge of research methods and statistical techniques and applications.
Knowledge of practices in the field of homelessness and community outreach and engagement.
Knowledge of Fair Housing and Affirmative Marketing.
Knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of customer service and etiquette.
Skill in reviewing, monitoring, inspecting, and reporting in accordance with appropriate local, state, and federal guidelines and laws.
Skill in collecting, evaluating, and interpreting appropriate and applicable data.
Skill in providing specialized housing, outreach, and engagement information.
Skill in preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
Skill in understanding, interpreting, and responding to internal and external customer needs.
Skill in presenting conclusions and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively to both internal and external audiences.
Skill in organizing, setting priorities, and making sound independent judgment in complex, difficult inspection work within areas of responsibility.
Skill in exercising tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues and situations.
Skill in communicating clearly and concisely.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
Skill in providing customer service.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Engaging and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Street outreach, housing linkage, and case management services.
Canvassing areas to locate unsheltered individuals.
Building trust and rapport with clients.
Assessing immediate needs.
Connecting clients to housing, healthcare, and social service programs.
Working closely with community organizations, service providers, and government agencies.
Transporting a client to an appointment with a housing provider or social service agency.
Meeting with service partners to coordinate care and share resources.
Assisting clients with completing paperwork for housing programs or benefits.
Entering case notes and service data into the County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Participating in team meetings, community workshops, or collaborative outreach events.