Housing Specialist - Outreach

The Housing Specialist - Outreach position works with individuals and families that are homeless with a focus on those living outside or in systems of care, to navigate through the coordinated assessment process from entry to diversion and/or housing placement. Housing Specialist - Outreach also works closely and collaboratively with partner agency outreach teams to understand referral needs and identify those eligible for program. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives directions from Council for the Homeless Coordinated Outreach Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain flexibility and work within a collaborative team to ensure people living outside or in systems of care have access to the coordinated entry and resource navigation. 
• Engage with individuals and families who are homeless in the community and systems of care to place them on the path to immediate shelter and housing programs and reduce their barriers to housing. 
• Provide diversion coaching and financial assistance, as needed.
• Maintain client centered and proactive in all facets of the role connecting clients to needed supports, as requested and appropriate. 
• Create, complete, and maintain accurate files and data entry based on funding source requirements. 
• Meet all agency confidentiality requirements. 
• Meet with clients in the field, at satellite locations or over the phone, depending on identified needs and on-going assignments.
• Provide outreach services during evening and at least one weekend day based on a regular schedule. 
• Work collaboratively with partnering agencies and government funders to ensure that all eligibility determinations are accurate and supporting documents satisfy the funding requirements for each program. 
• Establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with colleagues, teams and partnering agencies.
• A willingness to apply a trauma informed and equity lens when providing services, and communicating with clients, colleagues and staff.
• Consistently comply with position and department safety and attendance standards. 
• Strong cultural awareness and humility.
• Ability to accept feedback as an opportunity to improve and excel.
• Ability to remain empathetic, kind, and nonjudgmental regardless of the situation.
• Be a positive, self-motivated individual who has demonstrated the ability to work independently and well with others as a member of various teams.
• Willing to work in an environment with constantly changing priorities and roles without losing enthusiasm for the organization mission. 

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

DEMANDS/COMPLEXITY

The Housing Specialist - Outreach establishes practices and procedures within CFTH guidelines and contributes to the development of new concepts. Work situations are frequently new and varied. The workplace environment will include a variety of in-office, outreach, satellite, and remote work from home. The position requires at least 30% of the working hours to be during the evening and on at least one weekend day. Position receives minimal supervision. Incumbent is required to meet established performance standards. Position requires a high degree of complexity, self-direction, customer service skills, strong interpersonal boundaries, self-care practices,  and understanding that errors can result in an individual or family being placed in an inappropriate program and prolonging their homelessness. A strong relationship with community partners will be essential for the success of the position.

CONTACTS WITH OTHERS

Contacts are normally made with others both within the CFTH offices and outside the agency. They frequently contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times. 

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to effectively administer programs and to attract and retain program volunteers. Strong interpersonal skills are required to work with staff and clients from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of best practices around coordinated entry/assessments and understanding of Clark County resources for low income and homeless individuals and families is essential for this position. Language (Russian, Ukrainian Spanish, Chuukese, ASL) skills are helpful. Position requires moderate computer and analytical skills to perform job functions. 

MENTAL

Constant independent judgment and/or action, organizational skills, customer service, decision-making, and use of discretion are required. Frequent teamwork, problem analysis, training and supervising are required. Occasional creativity and mentoring is required. Incumbent must read, speak, write and understand English to work effectively with staff, community partners, and clients. Basic data entry and math skills are necessary to input data and generate reports necessary to fulfill job functions. 

PHYSICAL

Frequent physical activities are standing, walking, talking, sitting, and hearing/listening. Occasional physical activities are grasping, repetitive motions of hands/wrists and handling. Stooping, bending, and reaching are rarely required. This role includes extensive walking, outside work and travel in order to meet clients where they are in the community. 

SUPERVISORY PARAMETERS

This position includes secondary supervisory responsibility for assigned volunteers and interns. Supervisory decisions are made within VHA and CFTH policy constraints. The position makes recommendations regarding long range operational and strategic planning. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• At least four years’ experience working directly with people who are low income and/or homeless or equivalent. 
• Experience working with diverse populations, including those who are symptomatic in their mental health and/or substance use.
• Commitment to ensuring there is equitable access to the local homeless crisis response system for all who qualify for assistance. 
• Experience with public speaking, providing presentations and facilitating meetings. 
• Strong organizational, communication and time management skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to automobile required. 
• Strong cultural awareness and humility.
• Proficient with Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong computer skills.
• Experience with de-escalation and crisis intervention on the phone or in-person.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Lived experience as someone who is low-income or homeless.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Writes, signs and/or speaks a language(s) other than English that is represented in the diverse community served. 
• Supervisory experience. 
• Experience providing formal assessment(s).
• Identify as a member of a population(s) disproportionately affected by homelessness.
• Knowledge of Clark County resources and agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness. 

Candidates from Communities of Color, Veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and those who identify on the LGBTQ+ community are highly encouraged to apply. 

JOB CONDITIONS

Fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional urgent situations. Regularly provides support to homeless population in such areas as needs assessment, program information and referral, education and problem solving. Requires travel within the agency’s service area.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Criminal and driving records satisfactory to the VHA are conditions of employment. The VHA will make inquiries with the Washington State Patrol (and/or other authorities) regarding these records and considers this information to be a vital aspect of the screening process.

Staff in this role must have access to a reliable vehicle to travel around Clark County during work days. Staff may not transport clients. Mileage is reimbursed based on agency policies. 

Salary Description

Starting salary is $27.61

In compliance with the WA Equal Pay & Opportunities Act, the full salary range for the position is $27.61 to $33.13.