Who is CATCH?

Every Family. Every Person. A Home. A deep belief that everyone deserves stable and permanent housing is at the core of our culture. We end homelessness in Idaho’s Treasure Valley by inspiring stable housing, financial independence, and resilience. Each year, we co-create a new story for over 220 people, using a Housing First philosophy. 

The Street Outreach Program Specialist connects with people experiencing homelessness in the Boise/Ada County area, who also have severe and persistent mental illnesses and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. The goal of outreach services is to help individuals access resources to secure safe and stable housing, improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life.

It is the policy of CATCH to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race (including hairstyle/texture), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. CATCH prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.

CATCH is committed to valuing diverse experiences and encourages individuals with personal experiences to apply. Your lived experience can be regarded as equally important as professional work experience in our organization. A “lived expert” is someone who has direct, personal experience with the issues our organization addresses, such as overcoming challenges related to mental health, addiction, experiencing homelessness, or the carceral system. This valuable insight comes from first hand involvement rather than formal training, and it brings a unique and important perspective to our work.

Responsibilities 

• Develop a working understanding of Housing First, Trauma Informed Care, Progressive Engagement, and Motivational Interviewing; consistently demonstrates knowledge and understanding of models through all aspects of client care. 
• Be the most collaborative person in every room, continuously building a deeper relationship with referral sources, community partners, and other service providers.
• Build relationships with participants through outreach activities. 
• Conduct regular community outreach throughout the week outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Attend regularly scheduled Pop-up events in a variety of community spaces.
• Connect eligible clients to SSI/SSDI through Idaho SOAR.
• Connect willing participants to the Coordinated Entry system.
• Help clients gather needed documentation for housing applications, as needed.
• Assist clients with housing application completion, as needed.
• Advise clients with regards to writing reasonable accommodations, as needed. 
• Conduct Housing Quality Standards inspections and maintain reports in files, as needed.
• Maintain client files in an organized, thorough, and timely fashion.
• Enter required data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Report to the Our Path Home Outreach Program Manager; providing information on metrics of success, areas for improvement, and suggestions for innovative new practices.
• Refer clients to community resources and other organizations, as needed.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferencing, and trainings.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications (Preferred Skills and Experience)

• A sincere passion for ending homelessness (Housing First programming a plus).
• A High School Diploma or G.E.D. is required and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Preference may be given to Certified Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with homelessness.
• SOAR Certification Preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Organizational and management skills related to data collection, monitoring and reporting.
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills with a solution-oriented approach.
• A solid understanding of the recovery process.
• Awareness of mental health and housing issues and resources in Idaho.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Ability to work outdoors throughout the seasons, walk for extended periods of time and traverse uneven terrain.
• Computer skills including experience with email, internet, and comfortable with learning and utilizing the Homeless Management Information System. 
• Pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.
• Preferably have reliable transportation or other transportation for independent travel. 

What We Are Offering

• An opportunity to be a leader in growing an innovative and much-needed program.
• Work with a team that prides itself on its people-first culture, strategic alignment, and adoption of evidence-based practices.
• Competitive benefits package
• Wage: $20-22.90/hour, depending on experience and qualifications.