Peer Outreach Specialist

Union Station Homeless Services•Irwindale, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Outreach Specialist conducts outreach activities with a focus on chronically homeless and highly vulnerable individuals. The Peer Outreach Specialist is a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) that will provide services to clients on the streets and in encampments. They will address the individuals’ immediate needs and work to engage them in the housing process.

Requirements

Personal familiarity with homelessness - having experienced homelessness.
Completion of a peer case manager or peer advocacy program preferred.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of emergency housing, transitional, and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County preferred.
Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, and others preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing preferred.
Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Gmail) preferred.
Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in the Homeless Management Information System preferred.
Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner) preferred.
Possess a valid California driver's license and have access to a properly registered vehicle preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts team-based and individual outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
Receives, assesses, and triages referrals from walk-ins and other collaborative partners.
Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals as part of a multidisciplinary outreach team, including experts in mental health, substance use, and physical health, including nursing/medical staff.
Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
Connects individuals to supportive services as needed, such as mental health, health, substance abuse, employment, etc.
Documents services and completes data entry into HMIS database.
Provide linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
Provide transportation assistance for the purposes of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
Conduct follow-up activities to ensure completion of the crisis-housing plan.
Identify appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.
Assist individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities, including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.