Outreach Specialist

Nations Finest•Eureka, CA

3d•$28 - $33

About The Position

The Outreach Specialist conducts outreach and provides services to veterans in an assigned location. Drawing on knowledge of available resources, the specialist helps veterans and their dependents apply for programs and benefits, navigate community-based supports, and address other needs identified by the veteran. The role serves homeless and disadvantaged veterans and builds relationships with community partners, including organizations providing shelter, housing, medical and mental health treatment, legal services, transportation, employment, and other services for veterans, children, and people experiencing homelessness. The specialist conducts client screening and assessments, shares program information, makes referrals, and advocates for clients as needed. The role involves engaging homeless veterans in street and encampment settings, maintaining relationships with service providers and VA facilities, hosting informational events, and participating in Stand Down or similar events. Travel to referral agencies and clients’ homes may be necessary. The specialist may also oversee resident chores and routines and help ensure compliance with program rules. The position monitors funding-agency performance goals, supports program budgets, and attends meetings and conferences. Depending on the location, the specialist may be contracted through a community partner and provide outreach in assigned areas through that partner.

Requirements

Ability to work with a diverse population of adults and children, including people with physical and mental disabilities, addictions, and recovery needs.
Ability to work with clients facing significant barriers, including legal barriers and prison or long-term incarceration.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to assess clients’ general physical, mental, and emotional health and document assessments concisely.
Ability to maintain client confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including accurate writing, and the ability to motivate and positively engage challenging clients.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with other agencies and refer clients to housing, VA services and benefits, education, employment, financial assistance, and legal advocacy.
Ability to organize and interpret client and program information, work effectively on a team, and manage a stressful, multitask environment.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills and the ability to maintain a positive, supportive disposition.
AA degree in social sciences or a related field, or four years of direct experience in at-risk client outreach or case management in lieu of the degree.
Two years of case-management experience in a social service or employment counseling position.
Three years of experience performing outreach and making referrals to community services.
Demonstrable ability to network and maintain relationships with a large base of community contacts.
Broad working knowledge of services in the local area and demonstrable knowledge of and advocacy for veteran and children’s issues.
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook, and familiarity with entering data in database programs.
Clean DMV record and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Veteran status.
Knowledge of Native culture and language, if applicable.
Deep familiarity with veteran issues relevant to the assigned area.

Responsibilities

Maintain outreach and contact with local organizations serving at-risk populations and help grantees identify additional participants.
Develop relationships with social service and public benefit agencies, shelters, faith-based and community-based organizations, local VA facilities, Vet Centers, and Veterans Benefit Administration offices.
Host local informational events and participate in Stand Down or similar events as needed.
Screen clients for suitability and eligibility for in-house and other-agency programs; conduct in-depth screenings and assessments.
Provide program information, make referrals to appropriate services, and advocate for clients when needed.
Use creative outreach techniques, including distributing promotional materials and networking with targeted individuals and organizations.
Work with staff and volunteers to develop and implement outreach that engages homeless veterans on the street and in encampments.
Travel to referral agencies and clients’ homes as necessary for outreach, intakes, and follow-ups.
Oversee daily chores and client routines as assigned and help ensure residents follow program rules and guidelines.
Monitor funding-agency performance goals and objectives and assist in keeping program costs within budget.
Attend meetings and conferences as required.
When applicable, provide ongoing outreach to assigned areas through a community partner and attend meetings with that partner.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.