Street Outreach Navigator

Prince George's County Government•Landover, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The contractor shall serve as the Street Outreach will operate within expected, evidence-based framework, including the Housing First, Trauma Informed care, Strengths Based Interaction, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered communication. The navigator will be expected to perform their duties according to the Platinum Rule: treating all persons the way those persons want to be treated. Respect for the essential dignity of all persons will be expected in all their interactions at all times. The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (PGCDSS) is the primary human services provider in the county, operating as a local agency of the Maryland Department of Human Services. The Department provides opportunities for eligible residents to become independent, responsible, and stable members of the community through public benefit assistance programs. The Department also provides direct support for the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and vulnerable adults living in the county, investigating and addressing instances of suspected abuse or neglect. The work of PGCDSS is done in an effort to build stronger communities, one family at a time.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Service, Sociology, Psychology, or a closely related field.
Responsible work experience which includes coordination of group activities, preferably including work with disadvantaged individuals.
Must possess and maintain a valid Class C driver's license.
An equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading or working in a large and high paced urban/suburban Human Services Agency.
Lived experience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Superior customer service.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Ability to excel in a team environment.
Ability to lift 40 lbs.
Ability to lead, inspire, motivate subordinate staff or volunteers, and delegate responsibility to them as appropriate.
Ability to work effectively as a team member.
Ability to work effectively with diverse population or their group representatives.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach into all parts of Prince George's County, according to the Street Outreach plan enunciated by the Street Outreach Program Manager.
Meet with individuals who may be unsheltered and, if they are found to be unsheltered resident of Prince George's County, conduct a Street Outreach intake by completing necessary forms and assessment tools, if possible.
Receive referrals about individuals who may be unsheltered, follow up with the individual within 24 hours and with the referring individual within 48 hours.
Work with clients to identify barriers to emergency shelter or supportive housing and to overcome those barriers in an expeditious manner.
Refer clients for Emergency Shelter through the Homeless Hotline or for Supportive Housing through Coordinated Entry, including completing necessary applications and documentation (Verification of Chronic Homelessness, Verification of Homeless Status, etc.) and facilitating a warm handoff as needed.
Work with clients to identify needed mainstream services and assist in navigating the application process, including facilitating a warm handoff to other service providers as needed.
Meet with Street Outreach clients regularly (at least once per month, or once every two weeks for veterans) and perform the core street outreach tasks of harm mitigation, trust building, assessment & referral, and case management.
Complete required service information in HMIS and document all contacts with or about Street Outreach clients in HMIS or the Street Outreach Contact Log within 24 hours of contact.
Maintain updated client information in the By Name List of the Coordinated Entry Homeless Registry
Collaborate and coordinate with other agencies and organizations which serve the needs our clients.
Meet record keeping and reporting requirements in accordance with CoC funding sources.
Constantly work to improve processes and procedures to better serve our clients.
Other duties as assigned.