Street Outreach Specialist

Reports To: Outreach Program Director

Classification: Full-Time, Non-ExemptProgram Area: Street Outreach

The Street Outreach Specialist provides outreach, engagement, and navigation services to individuals experiencing homelessness who also have a serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders and other populations over represented in homelessness . The Specialist connects participants with housing programs, mental health services, and other stabilizing resources, while reducing barriers through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and persistent support.

This role requires exceptional relational skills, documentation accuracy, and field-based adaptability. The Street Outreach Specialist builds trust over time and walks alongside participants as they move toward housing, recovery, and wellness.

Conduct regular outreach to identify and engage individuals experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness

Build trust through consistent, trauma-informed, and non-coercive relationships

Connect individuals to emergency services, shelter, food, , and safety resources

Submit SOAR Disability claims quarterly*

Assist clients with accessing mental health care, substance use treatment, and housing navigation

Help gather essential documentation for housing applications and coordinated entry referrals for households prioritized by the Boise City/ Ada County COC

Advocate for participants during case conferencing and with community partners

Utilize harm reduction and strengths-based approaches to support recovery goals

Maintain timely and accurate records in HMIS and PATH
* data systems

Complete intake forms, consent, assessments, referrals, and service plans per grant requirements

Ensure data meets PATH funding and compliance standards

Coordinate with mental health providers, shelters, law enforcement, and hospitals

Participate in weekly team meetings, training, and reflective supervision

Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and solutions-focused team environment

Collaborative Team Member Interacts with team members professionally and respectfully. Adheres to organizational values

Trauma-Informed PracticeEngages with empathy, creates psychological safety, and avoids re-traumatization.

Persistence & PatienceBuilds trust over time and stays engaged even through slow progress or resistance.

Cultural HumilityApproaches all interactions with openness, respect, and awareness of systemic inequities.

Boundary SettingSupports clients with compassion while maintaining healthy, professional limits.

Documentation AccountabilityMeets deadlines, documents thoroughly, and protects participant confidentiality.

Field-Based FlexibilityAdapts quickly to changing environments, client needs, and community systems.

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, SMI, or substance use disorders

Knowledge of Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care

Familiarity with Boise-area housing, mental health, and social services systems

Strong communication, organization, and emotional regulation skills

Proficiency in using data systems, including HMIS (preferred)

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Field-based, full-time position; requires regular travel within Ada County

Some flexibility in schedule; occasional evening outreach or meetings

Reports to OPH Connect Program Director; works closely with outreach and CES team

Ada County Connect is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals with lived experience of homelessness, mental illness, or systemic barriers are strongly encouraged to apply.