Outreach Specialist (All County)

Heluna Health•Concord, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The CORE Outreach Specialist conducts street and mobile outreach throughout Contra Costa County as part of the Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) program, a public/private partnership with Contra Costa Health Services, Health, Housing and Homeless Services, and Heluna Health. The program works in small, collaborative teams to engage and stabilize homeless individuals living outside and identify plans to end their homelessness permanently. The specialist builds trust with individuals and families who are not served or are underserved by existing community service systems, and works collaboratively to locate, engage, stabilize, and house chronically homeless individuals and families. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team supporting people moving from the street to services. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. Contract teams collaborate with liaisons, and hours may fluctuate to engage homeless individuals. The work takes place in varied community settings and may involve meeting consumers where they are, including woods, under bridges, and abandoned houses. The role also includes supporting the CORE Lead Outreach Worker and performing lead duties when the Lead is absent.

Requirements

Knowledge of the client population and complex needs, including homelessness, financial instability, medical and psychiatric illnesses, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
Ability to work well with diverse staff and stigmatized communities and clientele, considering cultural, language, sexual identity, gender, and other diversity factors across Contra Costa neighborhoods.
Ability to work successfully both independently and cooperatively.
Professional-level competency using the Internet, email, and Microsoft Word.
Ability to use computers and the Internet to look up information and enter relevant notes.
Obtain CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.
With instruction, ability to assist people with disabilities, transfer a 180-pound person, and lift a wheelchair in and out of a car or van.
Ability to use a computer, phone, or office equipment for extended periods.
Ability to complete tasks successfully and efficiently in an environment with background noise and potentially constant interruptions.
Ability to work fluctuating hours, which may include day, swing, or graveyard shifts.
An AA/AS degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field; alternatively, a high school degree or equivalent plus at least two years of direct professional experience working with homeless, behavioral health, or medically complex populations.
Valid California driver’s license because the role involves driving a County vehicle.
Clean driving record with no infractions or accidents; drivers must be at least 21 years old.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and bicultural Spanish skills.
Lived experience of homelessness and/or accessing behavioral health services.
Previous experience or training in street outreach and clinical case management.
Knowledge of Contra Costa County and community resources.
Knowledge of the Contra Costa emergency provider network.
Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures.

Responsibilities

Conduct mobile and street outreach throughout Contra Costa County to engage homeless individuals in services.
Respond to dispatches from contractors and the community for contracted locations.
Check in with contracts or dispatch at the beginning and end of each shift, and with on-site personnel when possible, to help mitigate community issues involving homelessness.
Collaborate with the community or contracting authority to connect clients with requested services and provide transportation when needed.
Respond to requests from service agencies, businesses, community groups, and citizens to engage individuals needing assistance.
Work with Health Care for the Homeless Program medical staff to engage homeless individuals.
Support the CORE Lead Outreach Worker and perform Lead duties when the Lead is absent.
Guide team members by communicating team goals and identifying training needs, including safety, paperwork, approach, and de-escalation.
Build trust with and assess the needs of unsheltered homeless people; make initial contact and develop rapport with homeless adults, youth, and families.
Distribute survival supplies, including food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and socks.
Administer intakes, housing assessments, and other required documentation.
Review and understand program data for reporting through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Help homeless individuals complete service applications and transport them to shelters, services, and other destinations as needed.
Collaborate with Coordinated Entry programs and other County services to place homeless individuals in housing and enroll them in services.
Conduct targeted outreach to people who frequently use emergency services but are not connected to stable housing and health services.
Meet homeless consumers in community settings, including woods, under bridges, and abandoned houses.
Provide referrals and information about temporary housing and community resources.
Provide program materials about shelter services to community partners, including motels, churches, and merchants.
Interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional manner.
Attend and participate in weekly case conferences as part of the county-wide CORE outreach program.
Attend community meetings with service providers to share program information and coordinate services.
Comply with policies and procedures guiding the position and department.
Attend required training and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.