Peer Outreach Specialist

Union Station Homeless Services•Altadena, CA

3d•$0 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Outreach Specialist conducts outreach and housing navigation activities with a focus on individuals who are chronically homeless, battling severe mental illness, substance use disorders and/or complex chronic health conditions. The Peer Outreach Specialist is a member of PORT (Pasadena Outreach Response Team) which is a partnership between the Pasadena Fire Department, Public Health Department and Union Station Homeless Services. The Peer Outreach Specialist will work alongside a case manager and firefighter to help address immediate needs and work to engage individuals in the housing navigation process.

Requirements

Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Requires use of a computer keyboard.
Travel to off-site meetings.

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 HMIS 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 valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle preferred.
Personal familiarity with homelessness - having experienced homelessness.
Completion of a peer case manager or peer advocacy program preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
Receives, assesses and triages referrals from other collaborative partners.
Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals.
Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers in CES system. Also attends any meetings required by Public Health Department.
Connects individuals to supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, employment, etc.
Document services and complete 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.
Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
Other duties as assigned.