Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) After Hours Outreach Specialist

LIFEMOVES•San Mateo, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

LifeMoves | Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT) conduct outreach to unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. HOT collaborates with multiple internal and community organizations to provide holistic services to help the individuals return to stability. HOT is a subset of a larger Outreach team that includes Rapid Response Dispatch and an Encampment Resolution team. The HOT After Hours Outreach Specialist reports to the Program Director and provides direct street outreach, builds rapport with clients, and connects them to Case Managers and community services in the southern part of San Mateo County, which includes but is not limited to East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Atherton. The position plays a key role in supporting people moving toward safe, stable housing and greater self-sufficiency. They provides case management services, life skills support, and resource connections and work in partnership with clients to set goals, celebrate progress, and overcome challenges. Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, this position builds trust and respect, making sure clients feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their journey. Key responsibilities include supporting clients by connecting them to services, building support networks, facilitating groups and activities, advocating for equitable access, and providing crisis intervention when needed. Beyond working directly with clients, this role may help to improve the overall program by sharing ideas, identifying service gaps, and helping strengthen community relationships. This role maintains clear documentation, contributes to program planning and reporting, and models professional, ethical behavior and works closely with their teammates to provide high-quality, coordinated care. Through their efforts, staff empower clients to grow their strengths, reach their goals, and build a better future.

Requirements

Associates Degree in related field preferred; or High School Diploma/GED with 2-5 years of equivalent experience in related field. Related fields may include direct involvement in peer advocacy, community outreach, housing services or roles within the homelessness services field.
Comfortable using basic technology, including phone and messaging systems, email, Microsoft and Google Suites, and databases to complete administrative tasks and case management, reporting, and tracking outcomes.
Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and respect for all individuals.
Stays calm and supportive in stressful situations and uses de-escalation skills.
Maintains clear documentation and organization.
Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
Actively advocates for clients in accessing benefits, navigating systems, and ensuring equitable treatment across agencies.
Able to identify and connect clients to housing, employment, health, and social services by leveraging community resources effectively.
Uses strong analytical skills to research, track, and resolve client needs.
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations and service providers through communication and collaboration skills to strengthen client support networks.
Specialized demonstrated knowledge in Outreach, which includes understanding how to approach people to offer services in a safe, appropriate, and welcoming manner wherever they reside.
Understands job duties and performs tasks with accuracy.
Demonstrates a selfless commitment to others on the team, including activity-based dependability, self-improvement activities. Actively seeks opportunities to contribute at higher levels in service to LifeMoves and others on the team.
Sets performance goals, establishes the approach, creates a learning environment.
Manages workload effectively and meets deadlines.
Actively seeks opportunities to partner with colleagues across teams and functions. Shares knowledge, communicates openly, and anticipates needs to support collective goals. Builds trust by contributing ideas, offering assistance, and ensuring alignment to achieve results together.
Satisfactory results of a background check
Submitting proof of clear TB test results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable.
A valid [State] driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
Must be able to travel throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties as part of regular duties.
Must maintain vehicle insurance as required by law and agency policy.

Nice To Haves

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with others in the workplace. The employee must frequently use hands or fingers and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee must frequently stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities this position requires include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain individualized case plans focused on housing, employment, benefits, and overall well-being, based on each client’s strengths and goals.
Support clients with housing searches, employment readiness, benefits enrollment (e.g., General Assistance, CalFresh, CAPI), and skill-building activities such as budgeting and daily living.
Connect clients to healthcare providers and community resources, and assist with coordination, scheduling, and transportation as needed.
Maintain accurate and timely client documentation and outcome tracking in HMIS and the agency’s client management system.
Advocate for client needs and rights when working with partners, landlords, employers, or service agencies; provide mediation and conflict resolution support as needed.
Provide calm, trauma-informed crisis response and ensure all client services align with ethical standards and agency values.
Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, public agencies, and system partners (e.g., VA, APS, CPS, Probation) to support clients and improve access to resources.
Serve as a liaison between LifeMoves and community stakeholders by sharing information, coordinating services, and promoting trauma-informed care practices.
Participate in weekly case conferences, monthly trainings, and regular supervision to strengthen skills.
Fully participate in all required trainings. This includes completing trainings by assigned deadlines, actively engaging during sessions, and applying what you learn to your daily work.
Attend continuing education opportunities to grow expertise and uphold agency standards.
Be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed or as schedule describes.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet program and organizational needs.
Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in encampments or public spaces, connecting those interested with Core agencies or other essential services.
Respond to dispatch requests or partner referrals, providing connection to shelter, housing, and essential services.
Distribute basic needs supplies (e.g., food, hygiene kits) and build rapport to support engagement and trust.