Associate, Outreach

SUMMARY

The Associate of Outreach supports CFTH’s Outreach Program to identify, build relationships with and assist individuals experiencing homelessness. The Outreach team is part of a broader effort led by community outreach partners to identify individuals experiencing homelessness in Houston, as well as Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. This effort involves direct street outreach activities and community referrals from mental health agencies, hospitals, local law enforcement, municipalities, and other social service agencies. The Outreach team also functions as mobile case management and serves as a liaison to community outreach partners.

This Houston, Texas based role reports to the Manager of Outreach. This is a grant funded position and continued employment is dependent upon continued funding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct Outreach - Client Services

Visit communities and canvas neighborhoods to identify individuals experiencing homelessness, build relationships through frequent outreach visits, and foster trust to support their participation in programs.

Outreach will occur in identified “hot spot” neighborhoods and locations at times when individuals are most likely to be found (including early mornings, evenings and weekends).

Continue to engage with clients until they obtain shelter or permanent housing. 

Use assessment tools to evaluate permanent housing options, place individuals in the housing queue, and facilitate emergency housing if needed. 

Assist with resource access, referrals, and connecting to support services.

Conduct assessments at various hubs throughout the Continuum of Care as needed and assist in planning and implementing services that address clients' needs to achieve stable housing.

Assist clients with obtaining housing readiness documentation (such as personal identification and income verification), complete housing applications and supportive paperwork, survey the rental market for affordable options, and advocate with prospective landlords, while also coordinating transportation to appointments as needed.

Collaborate with other agencies in the region to provide team outreach services.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, police (and other local officials) and providers of services and resources to homeless neighbors.

Drive a car and/or van to transport clients to appropriate services; complete daily vehicle inspection report on van/shuttle; clean car and/or van; and maintain all safety conditions in the car and/or van.

2. Data and Administrative Requirements:

Maintain client-related data tracking systems including case notes and Homeless

Management Systems (HMIS). Maintain and complete all client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs and other reports as directed in a timely manner

Generate HMIS reports to track performance outcomes and goals and identify program issues.

Attend Housing Assessor, Navigator, and HMIS training to fully utilize the Coordinated Access system accurately.

Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops, and community meetings as needed.

Diagnose problems, troubleshoot with providers, and make recommendations for improvement.

Analyze trends and act accordingly.

Represent the organization and the CoC in the service provider community through presentations, collaboration, community outreach, service on committees, and community planning.

Keeps abreast of all HUD regulations.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience in the discipline or similar role and/or field; or Associate’s Degree and four (4) years of experience in the discipline or similar role and/or field.

Interpersonal skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, patience, and flexibility.

A valid driver’s license and insurance for local travel within a 3-county service area.

Knowledge of HUD guidelines, funding and housing policies, and data standards.

Experience working in a non-profit setting related to housing and/or homelessness.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites and Client Track Software.

Experience in high-profile and complex stakeholder engagement including change management.