Outreach Specialist

L.A. Family Housing Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach Specialist works within a street-based Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to engage and assess people experiencing homelessness and develop permanent housing plans. The role provides intensive case management and crisis intervention using best practices, and collaborates with community-based organizations to connect participants with appropriate services and track referrals and service follow-up. Outreach is mobile and field-based, serving people living on streets and in encampments across Los Angeles County.

Requirements

At least one year of experience working with people experiencing homelessness, or at least two years of experience providing direct health, behavioral health, substance use counseling, or ICMS-SBE services.
Demonstrated knowledge of issues affecting participants, such as health, substance use, mental health, domestic abuse, trauma, immigration, and legal matters.
Ability to demonstrate empathy and a nonjudgmental attitude when engaging with people experiencing homelessness.
High tolerance and understanding for individuals with mental and physical health needs.
Ability to be flexible in an environment subject to ongoing change.
Availability to work after hours for crisis calls and/or disaster response.
Knowledge of community social service agencies and resources.
Conflict resolution skills and effective time management skills.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to perform extensive charting, electronic data entry, and documentation.
Ability to maintain and handle confidential information according to HIPAA standards.
Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification.
Ability to pass post-offer Tuberculosis (TB) clearances.
Ability to travel regularly between worksites and other locations, including use of a personal vehicle.
Valid California Driver’s License and auto insurance in good standing, both maintained.
Ability to work a 9/80 work schedule.
Ability to meet physical demands that may include walking, climbing stairs, handling and grasping objects and equipment, reaching, communicating, being mobile, repetitive motions, visual activity, driving, and entering buildings.
Comfort working in a pet-friendly environment.

Nice To Haves

Spanish/English bilingual ability.
Experience working in team environments and ability to collaborate.

Responsibilities

Provide mobile, field-based outreach to people experiencing homelessness who live on streets and in encampments.
Work toward Continuum of Care (CES) goals by connecting participants with eligible mental health, health, housing, and other supportive services.
Build rapport, provide emotional support, and encourage participants to engage with outreach services and community referrals.
Coordinate with the mobile medical team to triage homeless single adults for medical care and health assessments.
Collaborate with community outreach entities, including LAHSA’s ERT, LAPD, DMH, and VA.
Provide crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and de-escalation services as needed.
Provide ongoing street-based, housing-focused case management using Harm Reduction and Housing First approaches.
Follow up to ensure referrals are completed and provide advocacy as needed.
Maintain thorough and accurate written records and electronic database entries.
Attend staff, agency, and community meetings as designated by the supervisor.
Drive a personal vehicle around Los Angeles County and periodically drive agency vehicles to transport clients.
Complete additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.