Outreach and Engagement Specialist

City of Hemet•Hemet, CA

About The Position

The City of Hemet is hiring an Outreach and Engagement Specialist to build relationships between the City and residents, businesses, and community partners. The position is part of the Hemet Police Department’s Active Engagement Response Outreach (AERO) team, not a standalone role. The Specialist will collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to expand access to critical resources, strengthen inter-agency partnerships, and support sustainable housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness. The role requires coordinated outreach, communication, participation in strategic planning, and alignment with department initiatives to reduce homelessness and improve community outcomes. The Specialist participates in daily homeless outreach and engagement, visiting neighborhoods and other community locations to find and assist people experiencing homelessness. The position connects individuals with programs, services, housing, counseling, and case management; builds relationships with service agencies and community groups; supports crisis response and de-escalation; and maintains records and reports related to services, programs, and regulatory compliance. Applicants must have education or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The typical combination includes education equivalent to high school graduation and two years of applicable experience in case management, social services, or homeless outreach and engagement. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and bilingual English-Spanish fluency are highly desirable. A valid California Class C driver’s license is required. First Aid and CPR certificates covering infants, children, and adults must be obtained and maintained within three months of hire. The role may involve rotating and varying shifts, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates must pass the required background investigation, including polygraph and psychological examinations, and medical examination; drug testing may be required. The position involves prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking; other physical activities; computer and report preparation; acute hearing; and lifting, dragging, or pushing items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Education or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; a typical combination includes education equivalent to high school graduation.
Two years of applicable experience providing case management, social services, and/or homeless outreach and engagement services.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and maintenance of a satisfactory driving record.
Obtain and maintain American Red Cross First Aid and infant, child, and adult CPR certificates within three months of hire.
Ability to pass a background investigation, including polygraph and psychological examinations, and a medical examination; drug testing may be required.
Ability to work a varying schedule, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Knowledge of homelessness-related services and needs, outreach and engagement practices, community resources, applicable laws and regulations, safety practices, basic first aid and CPR, public relations, office practices, and computer applications.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing; maintain accurate records and prepare reports; handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism; and work effectively with people from varied backgrounds.
Ability to respond calmly and effectively to medical emergencies and injuries, including providing basic first aid and CPR.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including lifting, dragging, or pushing items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work, social or behavioral sciences, mental health, counseling, business or public administration, or a related field.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Participate in the day-to-day operations of homeless outreach and engagement.
Visit communities and canvass neighborhoods, parks, riverbeds, businesses, and trails to locate people experiencing homelessness.
Discuss barriers to program participation with homeless individuals and identify ways to address those barriers.
Promote participation in programs and resources intended to help homeless individuals become housed and stable.
Serve as a liaison and advocate for homeless individuals as appropriate and needed.
Engage and mitigate crises using de-escalation, harm reduction, and conflict resolution.
Recommend ongoing support services to homeless individuals and partner agencies to help ensure appropriate care and support.
Develop and maintain relationships with public and private service agencies, community groups, and faith-based communities to obtain services for homeless individuals.
Build positive working relationships with homeless individuals through site visits and encourage participation in programs, housing, counseling, and case management services.
Help ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, permitting, licensing, insurance, and liability requirements.
Stay informed about trends, developments, and practices in homelessness and community outreach and engagement.
Maintain accurate records of services and activities, including schedules, program participation and analysis, revenues, expenditures, grants, contracts, accidents, and vandalism.
Assist with reporting required by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
Perform other duties as assigned.