FLSA Status:

Exempt Job Description Full-Time Equiv.: 1.0

Street Outreach Specialist Salary:

$42,000

Job Type:

Full-Time / Salary Reports to: Outreach Manager Job Summary The Street Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout the community and connecting them to services, resources, and appropriate levels of care. This position works directly in the field, meeting individuals where they are and building consistent, trusting relationships with people who may not be accessing traditional shelter, day center, healthcare, or other community-based services. The Street Outreach Specialist provides ongoing engagement, support, service navigation, and follow-up based on each individual's needs and readiness for services. A primary focus of this position is identifying barriers to care and helping individuals access appropriate resources and higher levels of care, including emergency shelter, detoxification and substance use treatment, mental and behavioral health services, medical care, residential treatment, group homes, sober living and recovery programs, housing resources, and other community-based services. This position requires a compassionate, persistent, low-barrier, and person-centered approach to outreach, recognizing that meaningful engagement and relationship building may occur over multiple interactions before an individual is ready to accept services. Responsibilities Conduct regular street outreach in areas where individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness are known to reside or congregate, including encampments and other community locations. Proactively engage individuals experiencing homelessness through respectful, non-judgmental conversations and maintain a consistent presence in the community to build trust and relationships over time. Assess immediate needs, barriers, safety concerns, and client goals and assist individuals with navigating available services and resources. Connect and refer individuals to appropriate levels of care, including shelter, detoxification, substance use treatment, mental and behavioral health services, medical care, residential programs, group homes, sober living, recovery services, housing programs, and other community resources. Provide ongoing follow-up with individuals who may not initially be ready or willing to accept services and continue engagement as appropriate. Assist clients with overcoming barriers to accessing services, which may include coordinating referrals, scheduling appointments, assisting with transportation, obtaining identification or other documents, and communicating with partner organizations. Provide transportation to services and higher levels of care when appropriate and in accordance with organizational policies. Utilize a person-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach while incorporating Housing First and Harm Reduction principles into outreach and engagement. Distribute basic needs and harm reduction supplies as appropriate and provide education and connections to additional health, behavioral health, and social services. Respond to referrals and coordinate with community organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, shelters, treatment providers, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and other community partners. Provide crisis intervention and connect individuals with emergency medical, behavioral health, shelter, or other crisis resources when necessary. Advocate for clients and assist them in navigating systems and services to promote equitable access to care and resources. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach encounters, referrals, client progress, services provided, and outcomes in required organizational databases and tracking systems. Collect and report data related to street outreach activities, including client engagement, referrals, connections to higher levels of care, and other program outcomes. Participate in team meetings, case conferencing, outreach planning, and coordination with internal programs and external community partners. Maintain knowledge of community resources, shelter availability, treatment options, healthcare resources, housing programs, and other services relevant to individuals experiencing homelessness. Maintain professional boundaries and follow organizational policies related to confidentiality, client information, safety, transportation, and field-based services. Perform other outreach-related duties as assigned to support the needs of clients, the Street Outreach team, and the organization. Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred but not required. Lived experience or lived expertise related to homelessness, housing instability, recovery, behavioral health, or other relevant systems may be considered in place of formal educational requirements when accompanied by demonstrated skills and experience. Previous experience in street outreach, homelessness services, case management, behavioral health, substance use services, social services, peer support, or a related field preferred. Valid Class C Driver's License and ability to safely operate an organizational vehicle. Knowledge of community resources and services available to individuals experiencing homelessness preferred. Understanding of or willingness to learn Housing First, Harm Reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered engagement practices. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships with individuals who may be hesitant to engage with traditional service systems. Ability to remain calm and use appropriate de-escalation techniques during challenging or crisis situations. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with individuals experiencing complex medical, behavioral health, substance use, or housing-related needs. Ability to work independently in community-based settings while also functioning effectively as part of an outreach team. Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills. Basic proficiency with computers, electronic documentation systems, and data-tracking platforms. Compassion, patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting individuals where they are without judgment. Working Conditions This is a field-based position that requires significant time working outdoors and in community settings. The Street Outreach Specialist should be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and engaging individuals in environments that may include encampments, streets, parks, and other locations where individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness reside. The position may require walking, standing for extended periods, driving throughout the community, transporting clients, carrying outreach supplies, and responding to changing conditions in the field. Interested applicants, please send resume to pete@corazonsa.org

Pay:

$42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person