Peer Outreach Specialist

Outreach Specialist

This is a Temporary Assignment

Temporary employees are those employed to work seasonally, on special projects for short periods of time, or on a "fill-in" basis. These positions are not intended to be a part of continuing operations. A temporary employee will not change from temporary status to regular full-time or part-time status because the employee's assignment is extended. An employee's status only will change if the employee is advised of such a change, in writing, by USHS's HRD.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law, temporary employees are not eligible for Organization benefits, and temporary employees remain employed at will at all times.

The Peer Outreach Specialist conducts outreach and housing navigation activities with a focus on individuals who are chronically homeless, battling severe mental illness, substance use disorders and/or complex chronic health conditions. The Peer Outreach Specialist is a member of PORT (Pasadena Outreach Response Team) which is a partnership between the Pasadena Fire Department, Public Health Department and Union Station Homeless Services.

The Peer Outreach Specialist will work alongside a case manager and firefighter to help address immediate needs and work to engage individuals in the housing navigation process.

• Conducts outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from other collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals.
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers in CES system. Also attends any meetings required by Public Health Department.
• Connects individuals to supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, employment, etc.
• Document services and complete data entry into HMIS database.
• Provide linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
• Provide transportation assistance for the purposes of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
• Conduct follow-up activities to ensure completion of the crisis housing plan.
• Identify appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.
• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
• Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Requires use of a computer keyboard.
• Travel to off-site meetings.

• Knowledge of emergency housing, transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County preferred.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley…