Outreach Specialist (Team H Richmond/San Pablo)

Heluna Health•Richmond, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) program is a public/private partnership between Contra Costa Health Services, Community Response Division, and Heluna Health. CORE works collaboratively in small teams to engage and stabilize people experiencing homelessness outside and identify plans to end their homelessness permanently. The Outreach Specialist conducts street outreach throughout Contra Costa County, building trust with individuals and families who are underserved or not served by existing community service systems. The role works with a multidisciplinary team to locate, engage, stabilize, and connect chronically homeless individuals and families with housing and services. Salary is $25.96–$28.59 per hour. The position involves mobile and street outreach, responding to dispatches and community requests, coordinating with county and community partners, and connecting people with services, shelter, and housing. The specialist may provide transportation, distribute survival supplies, complete intakes and housing assessments, document services, and use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The role also supports the Lead Outreach Worker, provides guidance to team members, and participates in case conferences, community meetings, training, and other required meetings. Work takes place in varied settings, including an office, homeless shelters, and field locations across Contra Costa County. Fieldwork may involve meeting clients in places such as woods, under bridges, and abandoned houses, and frequently walking long distances on uneven ground. Hours may fluctuate and may include day, swing, or graveyard shifts.

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 effectively with diverse staff, stigmatized communities, and clients while considering cultural, language, sexual identity, gender, and other diversity considerations.
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
Professional-level competency with the internet, email, and Microsoft Word.
Ability to use computers and the internet to find 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 efficiently in an environment with background noise and frequent interruptions.
Ability to work fluctuating hours, potentially including day, swing, or graveyard shifts.
Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field; alternatively, a high school degree or equivalent and at least two years of direct professional experience working with homeless, behavioral health, or medically complex populations.
Valid California driver's license; drivers must have a clean record with no infractions or accidents and be at least 21 years old.
Ability to work in varied field conditions, including frequently walking long distances on uneven ground.
Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push or pull up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and bicultural ability in Spanish.
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 its 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.
Respond to dispatches and requests from contractors, community members, service agencies, businesses, and community groups to engage people who need assistance.
Check in with contracts or dispatch at the beginning and end of shifts and coordinate with on-site personnel when possible to address community issues involving homelessness.
Collaborate with community and contracting authorities to connect clients with requested services and provide transportation when needed.
Work with Health Care for the Homeless Program medical staff to engage people experiencing homelessness.
Support the CORE Lead Outreach Worker and perform lead duties in the Lead's absence.
Guide team members, communicate team goals, and identify training needs related to safety, paperwork, outreach approaches, and de-escalation.
Build trust, assess needs, make initial contact, and develop rapport with unsheltered adults, youth, and families.
Distribute survival supplies, including food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and socks.
Administer intakes and housing assessments and complete other required documentation.
Review and understand program data for reporting through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Help people complete service applications and transport them to shelters, services, and other locations as needed.
Coordinate with Coordinated Entry programs and County services to support housing placement and service enrollment.
Conduct targeted outreach to people who frequently use emergency services but lack stable housing and health services.
Meet clients in community locations, including woods, under bridges, and abandoned houses.
Provide referrals and information about temporary housing and community resources.
Provide community partners with program materials about shelter services, including through outreach to motels, churches, and merchants.
Interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional manner.
Attend and participate in weekly CORE outreach case conferences and community meetings with other service providers.
Comply with applicable program and department policies and procedures, attend required training and meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.