Outreach Specialist

JOB DETAILS

POSITION TITLE:  Outreach Specialist

DEPARTMENT:      Clinical Services

FLSA STATUS:         Non Exempt

PAY GRADE:            $22- $26

REPORTS TO:          Facilities Coordinator 11

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Street Outreach Specialist will play a lead role in engaging with individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the Greater Hartford area to connect them to safe and stable housing solutions. Working from a trauma-informed, person-centered model, the Street Outreach Specialist will assess individuals' needs related to housing to assist individuals and families in finding appropriate, safe, affordable housing opportunities, assist participants with meeting basic needs, and ensuring participants are successfully linked to appropriate resources by providing referrals and supports to participants in linking with both formal and informal supports. The Street Outreach Specialist will work in collaboration with Management to assist with the daily tasks of the homeless outreach program and will coordinate with agency partners and stakeholders around this project. The Street Outreach Specialist will also be part of the team that provides outreach engagement and services during non-traditional business hours.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

In order of Priority/Importance

• Work in collaboration with management and outreach team members to provide on-demand street-based response and engagement with individuals experiencing substance use, mental health, and/or homelessness. Use brief assessment, active listening, and crisis response skills to help meet immediate, basic needs, including need for shelter, food, clothing, etc., and make appropriate referrals to other health and supportive services.
•  Engage with participants experiencing homelessness to better understand their individual needs, utilizing trauma-informed, person-centered, and motivational interviewing models Work with unsheltered individuals to connect them to temporary shelter; if desired. By calling and following up with 211.
• Assess case management goals in collaboration with participants and develop comprehensive service plans with ongoing follow-up.
• Work with homeless participants identified as high priority within the Coordinated Access Network (CAN) to obtain vitals documents and supporting documentation in preparation for housing services. Complete Homeless Verification forms and coordinate
• Provide information, referrals and follow-up for appropriate services and resources with a focus on connecting clients to housing options as rapidly as possible, if housing is a goal for them.
• Complete disability verifications for unsheltered households in the region, as applicable
• Ensure client files are complete and accurate as required by project guidelines. (Includes intake, service plans, identification documentation, homeless verifications, etc.)
• Educate individuals on residential lease contracts to inform them of their rights and responsibilities. Engage with landlords on the benefits of working within the Housing First model. Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants as well as between participants and neighbors.
• Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and progress; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, active listening, problem-solving, and identification and connection to resources to assist with housing stability.
• Ensure Housing First and harm reduction philosophy and approach is incorporated to work; utilize strategies from Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, etc. Provide services in a culturally competent manner and ensure trauma sensitive care.
• Attend and represent the program/agency at identified community groups such as Community Care Team, CAN, sub-contractor meetings, etc. Maintain strong relationships with partnering agencies and community stakeholders.
• Participate in program and agency trainings and meetings, events, conferences, and supervision meetings as assigned.
• Responsible for collection, monitoring, and reporting of required goals and outcomes. Data entry and record keeping per funder requirements and CRT STS system. 
• Ensure that participant information is maintained with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Maintain a log of all outreach activities.
• Complete any child neglect or abuse referrals as needed, as required of all mandated rep011ers. 
• Provide transportation for clients to and from appointments as necessary
• Serve as a flexible team member to provide additional services as needed
• Completed additional tasks as assigned

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

•Lived experience of homelessness preferred

•Must be willing to work flexible hours including early morning, evening and weekend hours as required

•Proven record assisting homeless clients and/or clients with behavioral health disorders

•Knowledge of federal and state funding housing programs preferred

•Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and data entry

•Excellent organization skills and attention to detail required

Flexibility to work non-traditional business hours including evening shifts to conduct outreach.

•Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong organization skills with the ability to meet a demanding workload.

• Maintain a valid CT Driver's license, reliable transportation, and adequate auto insurance as required by CT state law. 
•  Pass required background check

Demonstrate skills in:

Strong communication skills, including written correspondence and phone personality

Strong leadership and facilitation skills

Excellent organization skills and attention to detail required

Ability to work independently, adjusting to changing priorities

Ability to work with groups and balance multiple points of view

housing focused case management experience with demonstrated increased responsibilities required, experience with street outreach, mental health, substance use, harm reduction, behavioral health/ co-occurring disorders, and/or homeless services a plus. Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to

Knowledge of: 

Proven record assisting homeless clients and/or clients with behavioral health disorders

knowledge and proficiency in using computer applications, including productivity office suite applications such as Microsoft Office or Google Docs Editors. Experience with HMIS and Smartsheet a plus.

Knowledge of CT HMIS and DDAP preferred, but not required

Knowledge of federal and state funding housing programs preferred

Proven record assisting homeless clients and/or clients with behavioral health disorders

Bilingual:    YES    - Preferred

Driving Required                 YES               Agency Vehicle   YES             Employee’s Own Vehicle  YES

Active Driver License in good standing required upon hire and throughout employment    

Physical and TB Required   YES 

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability:  must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, ability to navigate different types of terrain.

Environmental Factors:  Cold /Heat, unhabitable places different types of terrain