Housing Specialist - Outreach, Housing Solutions Center

Vancouver Housing Authority•Vancouver, WA

4d•$28 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist - Outreach works with youth and young adults ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability, particularly those living outside or in systems of care. The role helps them navigate the coordinated assessment process, from entry through diversion and/or housing placement, and collaborates with partner agency outreach teams to understand referrals and identify eligible participants. The position is based in the Vancouver, Washington office and requires in-person work during the first 30 days. After that, employees may be eligible for a hybrid schedule subject to business needs and manager approval; approved employees are expected to spend most of their work week in the office or community. Work may also take place at satellite locations, in the field, and remotely from home. The role requires at least 30% of working hours during evenings and on at least one weekend day. Normal hours are 40 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend shifts as needed. The position receives direction from the Housing Solutions Center Coordinated Outreach Manager and operates with minimal supervision. It includes secondary supervisory responsibility for assigned volunteers and interns. The work involves confidential and sensitive information, complex and changing situations, significant independent judgment, and a strong focus on customer service, safety, boundaries, and self-care. Reliable transportation is required for travel around Clark County; staff may not transport clients. Mileage is reimbursed under agency policy. Satisfactory criminal and driving records are conditions of employment.

Requirements

At least four years of experience working directly with people who are low-income and/or experiencing homelessness, or equivalent experience.
Experience working with youth and young adults.
Experience working with diverse populations, including people experiencing mental health symptoms and/or substance use.
Commitment to equitable access to the local homeless crisis response system for everyone who qualifies for assistance.
Experience with public speaking, presentations, and facilitating meetings.
Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
Valid driver’s license and access to an automobile; reliable vehicle access is required for travel around Clark County during workdays.
Strong cultural awareness and humility.
Proficiency with Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong computer skills.
Experience with de-escalation and crisis intervention by phone or in person.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills for working with staff and clients from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of best practices in coordinated entry and assessments, and of Clark County resources for low-income and homeless individuals and families.
Moderate computer and analytical skills.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, organization, customer service, decision-making, and discretion; basic data-entry and math skills are necessary.
Ability to read, speak, write, and understand English effectively for work with staff, community partners, and clients.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including extensive walking, outdoor work, and travel to meet clients in the community.
Satisfactory criminal and driving records, as determined by VHA/HSC.
Ability to work 40 hours per week, including at least 30% of working hours during evenings and on at least one weekend day.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience as someone who is low-income or has experienced homelessness.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
Ability to write, sign, and/or speak a language other than English represented in the diverse community served; Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Chuukese, or ASL skills are helpful.
Supervisory experience.
Experience providing formal assessments.
Identifies as a member of a population disproportionately affected by homelessness.
Knowledge of Clark County resources and agencies serving people experiencing homelessness.

Responsibilities

Maintain flexibility and collaborate with the team to ensure people living outside or in systems of care can access coordinated entry and resource navigation.
Work with the Coordinated Outreach Manager to develop partnerships and referral opportunities with systems of care serving youth and young adults.
Engage people experiencing homelessness in the community and systems of care, helping them access immediate shelter and housing programs and reduce barriers to housing.
Provide diversion coaching and financial assistance as needed.
Provide client-centered, proactive support and connect clients with appropriate services and resources.
Create, complete, and maintain accurate files and data entry in accordance with funding-source requirements.
Follow agency confidentiality requirements and use discretion when handling sensitive information.
Meet with clients in the field, at satellite locations, or by phone according to client needs and assignments.
Provide outreach during evenings and at least one weekend day on a regular schedule.
Collaborate with partner agencies and government funders to ensure eligibility decisions are accurate and supporting documents meet program funding requirements.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, teams, and partner agencies.
Apply trauma-informed and equity-focused approaches in service delivery and communication.
Comply with position and department safety and attendance standards.
Accept feedback as an opportunity to improve and maintain empathy, kindness, and a nonjudgmental approach.
Work independently and collaboratively amid changing priorities while maintaining commitment to the organization’s mission.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Provide secondary supervision for assigned volunteers and interns.
Make recommendations regarding long-range operational and strategic planning.