Outreach Specialist (All County)

Heluna Health•Concord, CA

8d•$26 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) program is a public/private partnership with Contra Costa Health Services, Health, Housing and Homeless Services, and Heluna Health. CORE works collaboratively in small teams to engage and stabilize homeless individuals living 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 not served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems. The role works collaboratively to locate, engage, stabilize, and house chronically homeless individuals and families, and contributes to a multidisciplinary team supporting people moving from the street to services. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 3:30 PM to midnight, though contracted teams may require fluctuating hours. The work involves outreach in varied community settings and close coordination with county services, contractors, healthcare providers, and community partners.

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 across cultural, language, sexual identity, gender, and other diversity considerations in Contra Costa neighborhoods.
Ability to work successfully both independently and cooperatively.
Professional-level competency using the Internet, email, and Microsoft Word.
Ability to use computers and the Internet to look up 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 in environments with background noise and frequent interruptions.
Ability to work fluctuating hours that may include day, swing, or graveyard shifts.
AA/AS degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field; alternatively, a high school degree or equivalent plus at least two years of direct professional experience working with homeless, behavioral health, or medically complex populations.
Valid California driver’s license, due to driving a County vehicle.
Clean driving record with no infractions or accidents, and age 21 or older.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual and bicultural 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 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 to engage homeless individuals in services.
Respond to dispatches from contractors and community members for contracted locations, and check in with dispatch and on-site personnel at the beginning and end of each shift when possible.
Collaborate with the community or contracting authority to connect clients to requested services and provide transportation when needed.
Respond to requests from service agencies, businesses, community groups, and citizens to engage with individuals needing assistance.
Collaborate with Health Care for the Homeless Program medical staff to engage homeless individuals.
Support the CORE Lead Outreach Worker and perform Lead duties in their absence.
Guide team members by communicating team goals and identifying training needs, including safety, paperwork, approach, and de-escalation.
Build trust, assess needs, make initial contact, and develop rapport with unsheltered homeless adults, youth, and families.
Distribute survival supplies such as food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and socks.
Complete intakes, housing assessments, and other required documentation.
Review and understand program data for reporting through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Assist individuals with service applications and transport them to shelters, services, and other destinations as needed.
Collaborate with Coordinated Entry programs and other County services to support housing placements and service enrollment.
Conduct targeted outreach to people who frequently use emergency services but lack stable housing and health services.
Meet homeless consumers in community locations, including woods, under bridges, and in abandoned houses.
Provide referrals and information about temporary housing and community resources.
Provide program materials about shelter services to community partners, including motels, churches, and merchants.
Interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional manner.
Attend and participate in weekly case conferences as part of the county-wide CORE outreach program.
Attend community meetings with other service providers to share program information and coordinate services.
Comply with policies and procedures and attend required training and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.