Homelessness Outreach Specialist

Overview

The Homelessness Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging, assisting, and supporting individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness across Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. Collaborating with community partners, social service providers, government agencies, faith-based organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders, the Homelessness Outreach Specialist will provide proactive outreach, advocacy, and needs assessment and connect individuals to housing, healthcare, social services, and other community resources.

Responsible for documenting client interactions and conducting intakes and referrals. This position will involve extensive fieldwork with the community and will engage directly with the local homeless population.

• Conduct street outreach and engage with individuals experiencing homelessness in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. Services may also extend to McDowell County, as permitted under Uni5 participation agreements.
• Complete assessments of clients’ needs, strengths, and barriers to housing and supportive services, utilizing established triage protocols to prioritize cases and initiate appropriate referrals in alignment with program guidelines and coordination entry policies.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to reduce systemic barriers and facilitate access to essential services; promoting dignity, respect, and a client-centered approach in all engagements.
• Provide crisis support and connect clients to emergency shelters, housing, healthcare, mental health and substance use treatment, and other community resources as needed.
• Data entry as needed into Homelessness Management Information Systems (HMIS)
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of client interactions, referrals, and follow-up activities in accordance with organizational standards and reporting requirements. This includes completing triage forms, call logs, financial requests, etc. Documentation may change based on program requirements and/or HUD reporting guidelines and is at the discretion of the Program Manager.
• Collaborate with local agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and housing organizations to coordinate care and improve client outcomes.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, professional development training, and community outreach events.
• Stay informed about local resources, service availability, and program eligibility requirements.
• Attend public meetings as assigned by the Homelessness Response Manager to present reports, provide updates on designated projects, and communicate the homelessness response strategies implemented by WPCOG. Additionally, compile and report key performance data and metrics to assess progress on WPCOG’s homeless initiatives in accordance with the objectives outlined in the WPCOG Homeless Action Plan.
• Additional job duties will be assigned as required.

• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, exercising sound judgment while managing sensitive public relations issues with tact and diplomacy. Able to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
• Conducts research and maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in homelessness initiatives employed by both public and private organizations. Effectively implements homelessness programs and strategic plans.
• Builds and sustains productive working relationships with elected officials, government agencies, organizational partners, consultants, vendors, contractors, and the public.
• Responds to public concerns and complaints with courtesy, tact, and professionalism.
• Proficient in crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques.

• An associate's degree in counseling, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with homeless populations or within social services.
• An equivalent of education and experience is accepted.

• A bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, business, or public administration.