STRIVE Peer Outreach Specialist

Description

Summary                                                                                                                                         

S.T.R.I.V.E Program Outline: As part of Goodwill Of Silicon Valley's Mission Services, in partnership with the City of San Jose, has created a program designed to reach out and give a hand up to our unhoused neighbors. Understanding that chronic homelessness can create deep-rooted issues that go far beyond access to housing, and employment. Our STRIVE Program was designed to meet participants where they are at, and provide true care and consideration for each individual. While working with our program participants to establish access to safe housing and employment that can sustain it. We work with our participants' strengths and abilities to help them achieve their success. We strive to provide a direct pathway to a living wage and an improved quality of life. We do this by creating opportunities for unhoused individuals to work, and train, while at the same time supporting participants with housing based on their individual needs. We seek to offer a connection to resources and services by our own staff and our close-knit community partners that will enable successful program graduates with access to housing, employment, vocational skills, and the resources to maintain both employment and housing. 
 
The STRIVE Peer Outreach Specialist role is designed to connect street and encampment homeless individuals to employment. You will be working closely with vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals who are living on the streets or in encampments throughout San Jose. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the streets and other outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents. The program aims to connect eligible participants to services that will result in transition from unemployment to employment and from homelessness to housing. 

Job Responsibilities                                                                                                                         

• Provide outreach to the vulnerable population in San Jose. 

• Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, health care, mental health services, etc. 

• Staff provide transport for enrolled clients to appropriate destinations such as DMV, or other critical appointments. Staff will only transport participants when they are accompanied by another staff member, utilizing the buddy system.  

• Conduct VI-SPDAT assessments as appropriate to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency, and appropriate housing or service program referral and/or placement. 

• Data collection, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of activities within two business days. 

• Complete Incident Reports as needed, 

• Provide street-based case management to the unhoused population. 

• Provide excellent customer service when engaging with the community and participants. 

• Ensure a smooth transition for program participants in subsidized employment to permanent employment 

• Additional duties as assigned 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications/Experience                                                                                               

• High School Diploma 

• Must possess vehicle, insurance, California Driver's License and excellent driving record 

• Computer literacy and knowledge of MS Office required 

Preferred Qualifications/Experience                                                                                               

• 2 years working with the Homeless population is desired 

Equipment Used                                                                                                                                

• Computer, telephone, copy and FAX machines 

Aptitudes/skills/temperament                                                                                                           

• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing 

• Knowledge of highly-utilized locations in San Jose where the homeless congregate and camp 

• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless 

• Strong verbal and written skills; knowledge of multiple languages is desirable 

• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks 

• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds and professional rank 

• Demonstrated effective communication skills 

• Knowledge and understanding of community resources and human services 

• Initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations 

• Good collaboration skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision 

• Ability to work as part of a diverse team 

• General learning ability. The ability to "catch on" or understand instructions and their underlying principles. The ability to reason and make judgments. 

Emotional effort                                                                                                                               

• Moderate: Occasional short deadlines. The work environment is occasionally hectic with occasional high activity, with great emphasis on teamwork.  

• May work with client suffering with mental illness and/or emotional barriers  

Job setting                                                                                                                                          

• The job is performed both indoors and outdoors. There is regular contact with the public, homeless encampments and community agencies. The position will require outreaching in the homeless encampments with minimal supervision. 

Physical requirements                                                                                                                      

• Due to the variety of assignments with this position a person must have the ability to stand, bend, kneel, reach forward and overhead. Standing, sitting, carrying, pushing, and pulling will also be involved. 

• Work Environment, mainly in-office, but this position does have both in-office and outside-office work 

• Ability to travel to local destination, both by vehicle and on foot 

• Ability to walk long distance and on rough terrain ( such as trails to creek-side encampments and high traffic areas) 

• A moderate emotional level effort is required, with occasional high stress with short deadlines. 

Goodwill of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law 

Salary : $24 - $26