Outreach Specialist

Valley Healthcare System Inc • Columbus, OH

34d • $47,500

About The Position

Under the direction and guidance of the Outreach Team Leader, this position is responsible for assisting clients experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. The Outreach Specialist will identify clients, assist them with accessing permanent housing and completing move-in activities, and provide stabilization services (case management) to all clients, though the extent of assistance will vary according to the client’s needs.

Requirements

• Minimum two years’ experience in human services and/or case management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational, conflict resolution and computer literacy.
• Proficient in the latest Microsoft Office Environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and HMIS (preferred).
• Prior experience and understanding of causes of homelessness; experience working with landlords, local rental markets, and/or housing sales.
• Knowledge of Housing First, fair housing practices, and VAWA.
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure a positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to complete basic math as well as review and interpret reports and graphs.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and goals of VHcS.
• Staff members must provide their own transportation and proof of a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance.

Responsibilities

• Implementing best practices in client-centered outreach and case management through trauma-informed and harm-reduction protocols.
• Outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness who are not already being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems.
• Encouraging clients to accept placement and opportunities to stabilize their lives.
• Collaborating with other homeless services providers and community resources to facilitate access to the Continuum of Care services, including basic needs (including food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, and laundry), housing assistance, substance abuse education and treatment, legal assistance, and health information.
• Assisting with the assessment of potential program participants as referred by the Coordinated Entry System to the Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs.
• Recruit private landlords to rent to clients.
• Collaborate with local housing authorities, VA supportive housing programs, and other homeless service providers to maximize opportunities for all clients.
• Assist clients to develop and/or complete an Individualized Service Plan, including: realistic goals with concrete steps that will ensure housing stability while addressing employment/income, money management strategies, and any other identified service needs, providing a list of safe, affordable housing resources to clients for housing search, determining needs around utility deposits, furniture moving assistance, etc., and coordination of move-in activities to secure needed household items.
• Provide advocacy and negotiation with landlords/rental managers to facilitate tenant acceptance.
• Provide and/or coordinate activities to ensure that clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
• Teach clients steps and communication tools to advocate for themselves in seeking and maintaining housing (including advocating for eligible benefits).
• Refer the client to other community resources to achieve goals and follow up to ensure referrals are completed.
• Track and document client progress.
• Use Case Coordination meetings to share client progress and get support in working with high-barrier clients.
• Educate clients about the housing program, your role, and their role.
• Participate in meetings related to the job and outreach/clients.

Benefits

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical Coverage and Long-term Disability Coverage
• No-cost Dental and Vision Services at our Clinics – Additional Dental, Vision, and Short-term Disability Coverage is available for purchase at a reduced cost.
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Competitive salary
• Generous paid time off and holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees