Homeless Services Specialist I

New Search Login Page Position Description Homeless Services Specialist I Working Title Homeless Outreach Specialist Department/Division Housing and Neighborhood Preservation•

Housing Resource Center Job Type Full Time Apply Now Requisition ID:

49082

Work Location:

Housing

• Housing Resource Center, N Witchduck Road Pay Range:

  G.22, $49,254.40
• $76,336.

00

Starting Salary:

Depending upon

Qualifications Work Schedule:

M-F, Varies between 6am-5pm

Part Time Hours/Wk:

Job Open Date:

5/20/26

Application Deadline:

5/27/26

Job Duties:

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 canvases 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. 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

Official City Job Description:

https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Homeless-Services-Specialist-I-03380.pdf

Working Conditions:

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.006174.5.pdf

Minimum Requirements:

MINIMUMS

Any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in a human services field or fields providing experience in human services/direct services/case management. Must have a current and valid drivers license.

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.

Additional Requirements:

DMV Transcript:

Required CDL:

Not Required DOT History:

Not Required CPS Check:

Not Required Physical:

Not Required Respirator:

Not Required Polygraph Review:

Not Required Psychological Screening:

Not Required Attachments Required:

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.

Special Instructions:

Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting. Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process. You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.

V RS 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. Back Share Apply Now