Outreach Specialist

Keys to Change•Phoenix, AZ

15d

About The Position

Become a Part of Something Big! Our mission at the Keys to Change campus is to create a safe, engaging, holistic community that empowers people to end their homelessness and create positive, long-term changes. We offer a dynamic work environment where your ideas and critical thinking skills will be valued and your contributions will directly influence the lives of those in need. We are looking for individuals who are ready to be part of something bigger than themselves, who want to challenge the status quo. At Keys to Change, your work will matter, your voice will be heard, and together, we will transform lives and strengthen communities Keys to Change is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers an attractive health and benefits package for our employees, including Health, Dental, Long- and Short-Term Disability, and Life insurance (employee only), Paid Time Off, 403b, 8 Paid Holidays, and flexible schedule. Summary The Homeless Outreach Specialist is responsible for reaching and engaging clients who are currently ineligible for Single Adult Coordinated Entry Housing referrals, focusing on unsheltered individuals. Outreach is conducted primarily outdoors or in emergency shelters within Keys to Change's assigned geographical areas. This role involves connecting clients to critical services such as employment, healthcare, and financial assistance to support their journey toward self-resolving homelessness. Additionally, the Homeless Outreach Specialist will collaborate closely with agencies across Maricopa County, fostering interagency partnerships to enhance collective outreach efforts. By connecting with various organizations, the Homeless Outreach Specialist will work to maximize resource accessibility, leverage shared expertise, and coordinate outreach strategies that expand the reach and impact of services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Requirements

Lived experience with homelessness or housing insecurity is strongly valued, along with experience or interest in working with individuals experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations.
Ability to think quickly, adapt to evolving situations, and collaborate with clients to develop creative solutions to overcome barriers.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively and compassionately with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those facing mental health, substance use, and other barriers.
Commitment to working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
Willingness to learn and receive training in relevant areas such as vulnerability assessments, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.
Willingness to work 75% outdoors, including in high heat and inclement weather, within an assigned geographical area.
Strong verbal and written communication skills (Spanish proficiency is a plus).
Valid Arizona State Driver’s License required due to significant travel.
Visual acuity to manage records and reports, including computer-generated and handwritten documents.
Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and sound judgment.
Physical mobility sufficient to perform regular duties within standard office settings.
Capability to lift up to 20 pounds, as needed, for managing office supplies and equipment.

Responsibilities

Manage and support a caseload of 14-16 clients experiencing homelessness, focusing on self-resolving homelessness as indicated by current community priorities.
Willingness to adjust schedule one day a week to perform a region-based count of unsheltered individuals at 4am
Guide clients in obtaining necessary housing documents, including Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) evaluations, State Identification, Birth Certificates, and documentation of disabilities.
Connect clients to appropriate services based on assessed needs, including but not limited to healthcare, financial assistance, and employment support.
Conduct vulnerability assessments (VI-SPDAT and SPDAT) to determine appropriate services and levels of support.
Collect and maintain accurate client demographic information, securing appropriate releases of information.
Facilitate seamless transitions ("warm handoffs") into necessary service programs, enhancing client engagement and support.
Screen for eligibility for Social Security Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) and employment services, and provide referrals as appropriate.
Document all client interactions and case updates in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) promptly and accurately.
Deliver services that align with harm reduction principles, progressive engagement, low-barrier eligibility standards, trauma-informed care, and national best practices.
Engage clients using evidence-based techniques, including motivational interviewing, conflict resolution, and crisis de-escalation.
Work closely with internal staff and external partners, offering entry points, in-reach, outreach, engagement, and housing services as necessary.
Coordinate with other outreach teams across Maricopa County to identify and reach underserved populations, share resources, and optimize engagement with clients experiencing homelessness through a collaborative, county-wide effort.
Participate actively in multi-agency outreach meetings, identifying collective strategies to improve resource accessibility and client outreach.
Uphold adherence to all Keys to Change policies and attend any training established for the department.
Promptly report policy violations to immediate supervisors.
Attend required staff meetings and organizational events, supporting a unified approach to service delivery.
Follow all workplace policies, including those regarding work hours, break periods, and proper use of the payroll and benefits system.
Other duties as assigned.