What are the responsibilities and job description for the Homeless Outreach Specialist position at City of Orange?
To read the full job description for this role, click here.
- Plans, coordinates, reviews, and evaluates homeless outreach and engagement programs, activities, and/or systems at one or multiple sites.
- Coordinates and participates in the day-to-day operations of homeless outreach and engagement programs.
- Visits communities and canvasses neighborhoods, parks, riverbeds, businesses, and trails in search of homeless individuals.
- Identifies and provides recommendations to homeless and partnering agencies regarding ongoing support services to meet homeless needs and to ensure homeless are receiving the most appropriate form of care and support.
- Serves as liaison and advocates for assigned homeless as appropriate and as needed.
- Develops and maintains relationships with various public and private service agencies, community groups, and faith-based community to obtain services for homeless individuals.
- Principles, practices, assessment alternatives, and service delivery needs related to homelessness.
- Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of homeless outreach and engagement services and programs.
- De-escalation techniques consistent with community-based enforcement.
- Relevant and effective local and regional community resources including, but not limited to, public assistance programs and benefits.
- Plan, oversee, coordinate, review, and evaluate homeless outreach and engagement program operations and activities, as well as staff, service providers, and volunteers.
- Plan and prepare homeless outreach and engagement activity schedules, staffing schedules, reports, and other related program materials.
- Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems and/or issues; collect relevant information to determine realistic options; recommend and implement appropriate course of action.
- Identify and handle medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Recommend and administer program and project budgets after approval.
- Work with staff, officials, and the public in routine, emergency and emotional situations.
- Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, social/behavioral sciences, mental health, counseling, business or public administration, or a related field is required.
- Two (2) years of applicable work experience providing case management, social services, and/or working with the homeless in outreach and engagement services are required.
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License with satisfactory driving record and proof of acceptable automobile insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.
- Possess and maintain an American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult within three (3) months of hire.
Employees work primarily in the field and may be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road and/or land hazards, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids rendering First Aid and CPR and are required to wear appropriate attire for the assigned activity. Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to climb and descend stairs, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking, hiking, and/or climbing in and through operational areas to identify situations, problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb to perform work and inspect work sites, and push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. Will be required to work a varied schedule of hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, at a variety of City locations.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours, and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
CITY MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES:
Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City’s Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City’s values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
Salary : $61,692 - $82,272