Housing Specialist - Outreach

Council for the Homeless•Vancouver, WA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist - Outreach position works with individuals and families that are homeless with a focus on those living outside or in systems of care, to navigate through the coordinated assessment process from entry to diversion and/or housing placement. Housing Specialist - Outreach also works closely and collaboratively with partner agency outreach teams to understand referral needs and identify those eligible for program.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to effectively administer programs and to attract and retain program volunteers.
Strong interpersonal skills are required to work with staff and clients from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of best practices around coordinated entry/assessments and understanding of Clark County resources for low income and homeless individuals and families is essential for this position.
Position requires moderate computer and analytical skills to perform job functions.
Constant independent judgment and/or action, organizational skills, customer service, decision-making, and use of discretion are required.
Frequent teamwork, problem analysis, training and supervising are required.
Occasional creativity and mentoring is required.
Incumbent must read, speak, write and understand English to work effectively with staff, community partners, and clients.
Basic data entry and math skills are necessary to input data and generate reports necessary to fulfill job functions.
Frequent physical activities are standing, walking, talking, sitting, and hearing/listening.
Occasional physical activities are grasping, repetitive motions of hands/wrists and handling.
Stooping, bending, and reaching are rarely required.
This role includes extensive walking, outside work and travel in order to meet clients where they are in the community.
This position includes secondary supervisory responsibility for assigned volunteers and interns.
Supervisory decisions are made within VHA and CFTH policy constraints.
The position makes recommendations regarding long range operational and strategic planning.
At least four years’ experience working directly with people who are low income and/or homeless or equivalent.
Experience working with diverse populations, including those who are symptomatic in their mental health and/or substance use.
Commitment to ensuring there is equitable access to the local homeless crisis response system for all who qualify for assistance.
Experience with public speaking, providing presentations and facilitating meetings.
Strong organizational, communication and time management skills.
Valid driver’s license and access to automobile required.
Strong cultural awareness and humility.
Proficient with Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong computer skills.
Experience with de-escalation and crisis intervention on the phone or in-person.
Criminal and driving records satisfactory to the VHA are conditions of employment.
Staff in this role must have access to a reliable vehicle to travel around Clark County during work days.
Staff may not transport clients.
Mileage is reimbursed based on agency policies.

Nice To Haves

Language (Russian, Ukrainian Spanish, Chuukese, ASL) skills are helpful.
Lived experience as someone who is low-income or homeless.
Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
Writes, signs and/or speaks a language(s) other than English that is represented in the diverse community served.
Supervisory experience.
Experience providing formal assessment(s).
Identify as a member of a population(s) disproportionately affected by homelessness.
Knowledge of Clark County resources and agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness.
Candidates from Communities of Color, Veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and those who identify on the LGBTQ+ community are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Maintain flexibility and work within a collaborative team to ensure people living outside or in systems of care have access to the coordinated entry and resource navigation.
Engage with individuals and families who are homeless in the community and systems of care to place them on the path to immediate shelter and housing programs and reduce their barriers to housing.
Provide diversion coaching and financial assistance, as needed.
Maintain client centered and proactive in all facets of the role connecting clients to needed supports, as requested and appropriate.
Create, complete, and maintain accurate files and data entry based on funding source requirements.
Meet all agency confidentiality requirements.
Meet with clients in the field, at satellite locations or over the phone, depending on identified needs and on-going assignments.
Provide outreach services during evening and at least one weekend day based on a regular schedule.
Work collaboratively with partnering agencies and government funders to ensure that all eligibility determinations are accurate and supporting documents satisfy the funding requirements for each program.
Establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with colleagues, teams and partnering agencies.
Apply a trauma informed and equity lens when providing services, and communicating with clients, colleagues and staff.
Consistently comply with position and department safety and attendance standards.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.