State Homeless Outreach Specialist

State of Utah • Salt Lake City, UT

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Performs professional-level field outreach and encampment-response support as a member of the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Community Outreach and Rapid Engagement (CORE) team. The Specialist carries out ground-level engagement and needs assessment, referral and connection to services, site documentation and follow-up, and coordination with contracted providers at the point of contact. The Specialist engages individuals experiencing homelessness, connects them to emergency shelter, treatment, healthcare, behavioral health, employment, and other supportive services, and helps ensure that field operations are documented, paired with meaningful outreach, and aligned with statewide priorities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of community resources and service systems.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and engagement techniques.
• Knowledge of community collaboration and partnership development.
• Knowledge of basic field safety, hazardous-materials awareness, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
• Skill in problem-solving and resource coordination.
• Skill in public speaking and community engagement.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing homelessness in a respectful manner.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with community partners.
• Ability to coordinate services across multiple organizations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in dynamic, unpredictable field environments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and work in proximity to biohazards and hazardous materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to travel throughout the state as needed.
• Bachelor's degree; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• A valid driver license is required for field travel.
• Must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in behavioral health or crisis intervention.
• Experience in field outreach, encampment response, or environmental services.
• Experience in community partnership development.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site field support during activated responses to public disorder, encampment-related hazards, and acute incidents, following the operational direction of the CORE Program Manager.
• Serve as a field point of contact for partner agencies during operations, including law enforcement, municipal officials, public works, and emergency services.
• Communicate field conditions, safety concerns, and emerging needs to the CORE Program Manager to inform coordinated, multi-jurisdictional response.
• Conduct on-the-ground site assessments and document site conditions before and after operations, including photo documentation for compliance.
• Coordinate with contracted providers, contractors, and field resources at the point of contact during cleanups and remediations.
• Follow established safety protocols and PPE requirements, and escalate to the CORE Program Manager when specialized disposal or an environmental remediation contractor is required.
• Monitor locations for recurring impacts and report recurrence to support operational prioritization.
• Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in encampments, shelters, public spaces, and other community settings.
• Connect individuals with shelter, healthcare, behavioral health, substance use treatment, employment, and other community resources, and make referrals to appropriate service providers.
• Document all contacts and service connections in UHMIS.
• Document outreach and operational activities and prepare reports as required by the CORE Program Manager.
• Support intake of reports through the program's ticketing system and maintain accurate records for dashboard and performance tracking.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships at the field level with local governments, nonprofits, law enforcement, healthcare and behavioral health providers, and other community partners.
• Participate in coordination meetings and multidisciplinary outreach teams as directed, and represent the program at community events.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level