Outreach Specialist-SSVF Outreach (Temporary)

POSITION: Outreach Specialist-SSVF Outreach
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Outreach/Newberry, San Jose, CA
SUPERVISOR: Program Manager
STATUS: Temporary, Full-time, Non-Exempt
COMPENSATION: $29.70 Hourly

THE ORGANIZATION:

HomeFirst™ is a leading provider of housing services: prevention, outreach, shelter, interim, and permanent housing programming for individuals who are housing insecure or unhoused in the Bay Area of California. We serve more than 5,000 adults, Veterans, families, and youth each year through a continuum of care, which meets people where they are and works to support a housing plan specific to each individual.

HomeFirst has approximately 500 staff working across two Bay Area counties including Sonoma and Santa Clara County. HomeFirst operates more than 15 locations, including The James F. Boccardo Regional Reception Center (BRC), Family Living Centers, Labath Landing Interim Housing, and more. Our core elements include, but are not limited to:

HomeFirst is committed to a culture of demonstrating our core values

Activism | Creativity | Excellence | Passion| Respect | Responsibility | Teamwork

PROGRAM SUMMARY:
The target populations for this program are vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals who are living on the streets or in encampments throughout San Jose. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the streets and other outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents. The goal of the program is to connect participants with services that will result in permanent housing. The SSVF team includes Outreach Specialists, Case Managers, a Program Manager, and Director.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services (70%)

· Provide street and encampment-based outreach to unhoused participants at targeted locations throughout the City of San Jose

· Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, health care, mental health services, etc.

· Provide UPLIFT requests for those who qualify.

· Conduct VI-SPDATS assessments as appropriate to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency, and appropriate housing or service program referral and/or placement.

· Complete all appropriate data collection, Salesforce, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of activities within 2 business days.

· Works collaboratively with Case Manager and Program Manager and maintains accurate records of services provided.

· Collaborates with community partners regarding support services for participants.

· Maintains professional relations and conduct.

· Maintains thorough, accurate records of outreach engagement activities with every program participant, as required by grant contracts.

· Conducts client intake, including VISPDAT as needed.

· Works with program participants and case manager to develop and implement an individual case management plan and provide support to help them achieve their housing and personal goals.

· Secure transportation of participants to shelter, critical appointments, and additional destinations.

· Weekend and after-hours support are required when requested by the participant or funder.

· Make timely and accurate decisions in emergency or crisis situations with awareness of the need for safety of all clients, staff, or volunteers involved.

Documentation (20%)

· Documents, via progress notes in HMIS, all outreach engagement activity within two business days and maintains all other case file paperwork and documentation.

· Participates in ongoing analysis of and program alignment with industry best practices.

· Proactively and consistently improves the quality and effectiveness of program services.

· Conducts ongoing re-assessments of the client's needs and status, and documents assessment in HMIS.

General (10%)

· Attends all meetings and training relevant to this position.

· Assist with office-related tasks as needed.

· Utilize supervision appropriately, maintain open lines of communication, and provide updates on activities regularly.

· Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures.

· Properly report any suspected cases of abuse.

· Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Knowledge of highly-utilized locations in San Jose where homeless congregate and camp

• Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments and high traffic areas)

• Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (usually in a backpack, up to 30 lbs.)

• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless

• Commitment to increasing the housing stability and self-sufficiency of the homeless

• Strong verbal and written skills; knowledge of multiple languages is desirable

• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks

• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds and professional rank

• Demonstrated effective communication skills

• Knowledge and understanding of community resources and human services

• Initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations

• Good collaboration skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision

• Ability to work as part of a diverse team

• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the internet

Other

• Clean driving record, must be able to be be insured by agency carrier

• Valid CA driver license and legally required insurance; reliable transportation

Please note that this is a temporary role therefore is non-benefited. 

HomeFirst  is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

HomeFirst  takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst  mandates that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.