Outreach and Advocacy Specialist I - Dallas Police (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

2d•$27 - $31

About The Position

The Outreach and Advocacy Specialist provides direct human and social services to unsheltered homeless citizens in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role addresses health and safety issues affecting the surrounding community and citizens in Dallas. The position works with people experiencing homelessness to connect them with appropriate services and housing, while coordinating with agencies, vendors, and community partners. The listed starting salary range is $26.65–$31.28; the amount offered depends on qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social science, psychology, or a related human services field, subject to the listed equivalencies.
Two years of experience in social services, including providing direct human or social services.
A high school diploma or GED plus six years of required experience may satisfy the education and experience requirements.
An associate degree in any field plus four years of required experience may satisfy the education and experience requirements.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-specified field plus four years of required experience may satisfy the education and experience requirements.
A master’s degree or higher in a specified field may satisfy the education and experience requirements.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local behavioral health guidelines and ability to apply them to program operations with homeless clients.
Knowledge of social service delivery systems, including the network of local social service agencies.
Knowledge of physical and mental health issues and City policies and procedures.
Ability to interact with clients from various socioeconomic backgrounds and identify public health and safety issues.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Identify and address public health and safety issues affecting people experiencing homelessness; identify, refer, track, and measure ways to minimize their impact on the community.
Engage, assess, and refer unsheltered homeless citizens to resources for behavioral, mental, and physical health interventions.
Encourage and assist people experiencing homelessness in leaving the streets, obtaining safe and stable housing, or reuniting with family.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors addressing health and safety issues at homeless encampments, including cleanup, closures, site hardening, and reclamation.
Maintain accurate records, statistics, and service and referral documentation in the Homeless Management Information System to evaluate Street and Outreach Services goals and objectives.
Collaborate and communicate with agencies serving people experiencing homelessness and using multidisciplinary approaches to develop effective intervention strategies.
Assist individuals and families in developing stabilization plans to sustain self-sufficiency and reduce chronic homelessness.
Attend meetings and provide motivational interviews, presentations, and reports to management and resource partners; facilitate stakeholder meetings in assigned districts to discuss community concerns.
Respond to assigned service requests within established timeframes and proactively assess new and growing encampments in the area.
Perform other work as needed or assigned.