Homeless Outreach Specialist (Youth Case Specialist) - Grant Funded

Under direction, is responsible for performing street outreach and engagement in support of unsheltered homeless clients. Provides needs assessments and service navigation in support of clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency. May exercise technical supervision over assigned staff.

This position is a "grant funded" position, therefore unclassified and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject to at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason.

Work Location
Claude Black Center; 2805 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, Texas 78203

Work Hours
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

• Travels to encampment sites and locations throughout San Antonio where the unsheltered population resides and proactively initiates non- judgmental conversations to create and maintain relationships and provide a consistent presence.
• Performs needs assessments and clinical coordination to assist clients with service navigation, employment, and stabilizing their mental health and medical situations, including mental illness, substance use disorders, or other medical concerns. Occasionally transports clients to appointments, shelters, and other locations as needed.
• Coordinates with and responds to referrals from community organizations, neighborhood associations, government organizations,
  faith-based organizations, council district offices, Homeless Hotline, 311, law enforcement, the SAPD San Antonio Fear Free Environment Unit, and other service providers, which involves attending meetings and events outside normal work hours.
• Provides interpretation of program policies and procedures to service partners.
• Collects, reports, and presents data related to homeless outreach activities.
• Provides training and guidance to assigned staff as needed in support of program goals and objectives.
• Assists with encampment site abatement events and operates as essential personnel during critical response efforts and/or city closure days as needed.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of experience in social work or related experience.
• Valid Class "C" Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other social services programs from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with homeless outreach and/or homeless services.
• Experience working with the vulnerable populations.
• Previous case management experience.
• Experience in fast paced environment with emphasis on housing stabilization for youth between the ages of 18-24 with and without families.
• Must be able to compile, brief, and present data on Youth population.

Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing.  Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Knowledge of counseling, psychology, ethics, and social services theory and methodology
• Knowledge of standard program evaluation methods and reporting procedures
• Knowledge of Housing First and Harm Reduction practices
• Knowledge of techniques related to counseling, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation
• Knowledge of physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders
• Knowledge of trauma informed care and motivational interviewing
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and other basic office equipment
• Ability to problem solve and work independently
• Ability to communicate effectively including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, City management and their staff, colleagues, clients, and the general public
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodations
• Ability to work outside in homeless encampments, often located in drainage culverts, highway underpasses, wooded areas, parks, etc.

Salary : $50,222 - $75,333