Outreach Specialist

Friendship Place • Washington, DC

2d • $28 - $31

About The Position

This position conducts Outreach to Veterans and their families in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick. The Outreach Specialist will conduct street outreach to locate eligible veteran households for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve. The Outreach Specialist will screen for program eligibility and complete VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments as needed to determine prioritization within the Coordinated Entry system and enter them into HMIS. The Outreach Specialist will complete cover sheets and fill open intake slots with eligible households assigned to Friendship Place. The Outreach Specialist will build and maintain relationships and partnerships with other social service organizations and outreach workers in the service areas.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED and at least two years of experience in a similar setting preferred
• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience in a similar environment preferred
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Must have or be able to obtain a First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on skills testing module. Friendship Place will provide First Aid/CPR/AED training.
• Experience with outreach to local organizations and government agencies.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience working with Veterans.
• Experience with Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet services, and web-based reporting systems.
• Solid decision-making and problem-solving skills (Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; use sound and accurate judgment; Attention to detail)
• Must possess and be able to demonstrate strong intra- and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively express ideas, needs, and observations both verbally and in writing. This includes the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, colleagues, and supervisors, as well as to document interactions and incidents accurately, professionally, and in a timely manner.
• Must be able to demonstrate active listening, emotional awareness, and the ability to adapt their communication style to different individuals and situations.
• Excellent Customer Service (Displays kindness and respect and meets service expectations; Upholds client confidentiality)
• Commitment to Growth and Development (Strives to build knowledge, skills, and best practices)
• Attendance/Punctuality (Consistently on time and ensures support coverage, as necessary)
• Teamwork and Collaboration (Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives/receives feedback; upholds confidentiality; pursues objectivity and open dialogue)
• Strong work ethic, including integrity, honesty, professionalism, and accountability for actions.
• Commitment to Organizational Practices and Culture (Mission, Core Values, Strategic Planning, and Compliance)
• Positions requiring travel must have reliable access to personal transportation to fulfill job duties. The vehicle must meet all legal requirements, including valid registration and current auto insurance. Employees must provide the employer with A current copy of their valid driver's license and proof of insurance. They must maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) that meets organizational or insurance carrier standards as a condition of employment. Additionally, employees are required to notify the employer and provide updated documentation within a legally appropriate timeframe if there are any changes to their driver’s license status or insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

• Make contact and develop rapport with homeless and at-risk Veteran Families, and make appropriate community referrals.
• Conduct street outreach
• Target the “most in need” Veteran Families and those who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve
• Conduct VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments with Veteran Families in need of services and enter into HMIS.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local social services and public benefit agencies, shelters, and faith-based and community-based organizations serving low-income, at-risk, and homeless Veteran Families.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local VA facilities, including Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration offices
• Participate in Stand Down (or similar) events
• Participate in Local Coordinated Entry
• Market services provided by the SSVF grant
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and supervision, and actively seek professional development opportunities.
• Communicate professionally and clearly in all interactions—both written and verbal—to support seamless service delivery and collaboration.
• Maintain and document all outreach efforts in Excel.
• Maintain compliance with all assigned mandatory training and background clearances.
• Attend professional training and conferences as needed
• Support other Specialists as needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the success of the program and its participants.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 12 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees