A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
$49,504.00 - $77,147.20 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range. Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime) :
No Scheduled Weekly Hours :
40
About Us :
Recognized as one of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. to join an organization where you truly make a difference.
Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications :
Join Our Homeless Outreach Team and Make a Real Difference in Virginia Beach The Homeless Outreach Team, part of the Homeless Services Division at the Housing Resource Center, is dedicated to meeting people where they are—literally. As a Homeless Outreach Specialist , you will be the compassionate "boots on the ground" providing critical support to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout our community. This is meaningful, hands-on work that goes far beyond traditional case management. Our team canvasses streets, parking lots, the boardwalk, wooded areas, and other outdoor locations to build trusting relationships and bring essential services directly to individuals who may not otherwise access them. What You'll Do Engage individuals and families experiencing homelessness through regular out/in‑reach in the field, including known encampments and community spaces. Build rapport using trauma‑informed, person-centered approaches to understand needs and create pathways to stability. Conduct intakes and maintain accurate documentation within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Determine needs and make referrals to housing options, as well as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, medical care, SNAP, Medicaid, employment assistance, and more. Guide clients through obtaining vital documents (ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, DD‑214s, proof of disability). Provide transportation to essential appointments to help clients become document-ready and move forward in the housing process. Spend approximately 60% of your time outdoors in varying weather conditions, including weather extremes, and diverse environments. Work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to meet client and community needs. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a City vehicle. Who We're Looking For The ideal candidate is someone who is: Experienced in outreach with vulnerable populations and comfortable engaging with individuals in outdoor or encampment settings. Skilled in trauma‑informed care and crisis de‑escalation. Compassionate, adaptable, and committed to helping people navigate complex systems. An excellent communicator and active listener. Organized, resourceful, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong professional boundaries. Familiar with assessing eligibility for services and connecting clients to appropriate community resources. If you're passionate about helping others, enjoy working in the field, and want to be part of a supportive team making tangible, life-changing impacts, we'd love to hear from you. Why Join Us? The City of Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive benefits package , including: Health, dental, and life insurance Retirement and savings plans Parental leave Paid holidays Annual and sick leave Opportunities for professional development and growth
Preferences:
Strong preference for experience conducting outreach with vulnerable populations using a trauma‑informed, person‑centered approach. Demonstrated experience engaging individuals experiencing homelessness, including approaching people on the streets and searching wooded areas for known or suspected encampments. Experience assessing client needs and determining eligibility for federal, state, and local programs. Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, youth, older adults, and people with disabilities. Case management experience, including the ability to de‑escalate situations and support clients in crisis. Proven ability to connect clients with appropriate community resources and support services.
Additional requirements:
DMV Transcript:
Yes CDL:
No Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse:
No CPS Check:
No Physical:
No Respirator:
No Psychological Screening:
No Polygraph:
No At Will:
No Minimum Requirements :
Special Requirements:
All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Work hours and work locations may be adjusted to meet client, city or community needs and situations, including some weekends, some evenings, work from home, alternating days in the office, and office sharing.
Skills :
Working Conditions :
Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City's business. The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.
To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=
E VRS Contribution :
All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace :
The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Statement:
The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.
