Outreach Specialist

Union Station Homeless Services•Irwindale, CA

6d•$0 - $24

About The Position

The Outreach Specialist conducts outreach and housing navigation for individuals experiencing homelessness. The role helps participants collect documents needed for housing, connects them with ongoing supportive services, addresses immediate needs, and engages them in services using best-practice standards. As the primary point of contact, the Specialist provides screening, triage, crisis intervention, access to interim housing, and transportation, with the goal of helping participants move into permanent housing.

Requirements

At least one of the following: Option I—one year of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness; Option II—two years of experience providing direct health services, behavioral health services, substance use counseling, or ICMS/SBE services; or Option III—demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities through current or previous employment with Union Station Homeless Services may be considered in lieu of the standard experience requirements.
Knowledge of transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
Knowledge of current interventions, models, and principles related to best-practice standards.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Proficiency with a laptop, Microsoft Windows, and Office programs, including Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Gmail.
Ability to accurately enter client data and notes into HMIS (Homeless Management Information System).
Proficiency with office communication equipment and machines, including telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, computer, laptop, printer, and scanner.
Valid California driver's license and access to a properly registered vehicle.
Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multitask, and adapt to changing work demands.
Ability to gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information, and to transcribe, enter, and post data.
Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to interact with employees, clients, customers, and members of the public.
Ability to see, hear, and speak clearly to give and receive information and instructions.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of housing issues in the San Gabriel Valley.
Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to engage individuals experiencing homelessness and support them in pursuing permanent housing options.
Receive, assess, and triage referrals from collaborative partners.
Conduct standardized screening and triage for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Provide appropriate services and interventions using best practices and service models tailored to each participant’s needs.
Help participants collect documents needed to apply for permanent supportive housing.
Connect participants to supportive services, including mental health care, medical care, substance use services, and employment services, as needed.
Link participants to mainstream resources such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
Provide transportation assistance.
Help participants access permanent housing opportunities, including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, and affordable housing.
Conduct follow-up to ensure completion of the housing plan.
Document services and enter data into the HMIS database within funder and agency timeframes.
Attend case-conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
Attend clinical consultation, individual supervision, team meetings, and trainings as required by the funder and agency.
Perform other duties as assigned.