What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mobile Homeless Outreach Coordinator position at Action for Boston Community Development?
Mobile Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Department: Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Malden - Commercial Street
Description
Through our offices in Boston and Malden, ABCD's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department supports people in their search and works to prevent families from entering homelessness by providing housing counseling. The Mobile Homeless Outreach Program identifies unsheltered homeless individuals in the Malden, Medford, Everett and Chelsea areas through direct street outreach activities and community referrals. Join us as Mobile Homeless Outreach Coordinator in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our community. If you are passionate about community development, possess the required skills, and are dedicated to making a positive impact, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments, facilitate placement into emergency shelter and connect individuals to social, health, detox and other services. The Mobile Homeless Outreach Coordinator will work as part of a larger team within the Tri-City area, Council of Governments, and the Coordinated Entry.
- Work collaboratively with the community partners to conduct outreach in the community, focusing on those who are most vulnerable. Outreach will occur in identified “hot spots” in the tri- neighborhoods at times when individuals are most likely to be found, including early morning and evenings.
- Provide leadership and support to the Mobile Homeless Outreach Specialist and occasionally to other Housing staff under the direction of the Deputy Director of Housing and Homelessness Prevention.
- Participate in the training of new staff and coordinate daily activities.
- Complete a Vulnerability assessment tool to determine vulnerability and acuity of individuals during street outreach as well as other outreach and referral processes.
- Assist the homeless with accessing resources and make referrals for additional support services, continuing to engage with the unsheltered homeless until shelter or permanent housing is obtained.
- Provide advocacy for homeless when they encounter barriers.
- Collaborate with other agencies in the region to provide team outreach services.
- Maintain complete client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, neighbor-related data tracking systems and other reports as directed.
- Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, police (and other local officials), and providers of services and resources to homeless.
- Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and one to three years of social services experience required.
- Experience working directly with chronically homeless population required.
- Bilingual skill in Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.
- Demonstrated basic understanding of severe mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues and symptoms.
- Ability to listen with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and points of view, and demonstrate tact and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases effectively and efficiently and be able to adapt well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.
- Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to work outside of normal business hours, particularly with flexible evening hours.
- Ability to drive a 15-passenger van to outreach events and occasionally transport clients to services.
- Ability to work outside in all weather conditions for periods for time.
Why Work Here
- Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
- Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
- Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
- Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
- A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
- Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.
