Homelessness Outreach Specialist

Homelessness Outreach Specialist

Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and community-minded Homelessness Outreach Specialist to join our Homelessness Response Team.

This position plays an important role in connecting individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with housing, healthcare, social services, and other critical community resources. The Homelessness Outreach Specialist will work throughout Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties, with services potentially extending into McDowell County through applicable agreements.

WPCOG is looking for someone ready to meet people where they are, build meaningful connections, and help create pathways toward housing stability and long-term success!

What You'll Do

• Conduct street outreach and build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Assess clients' needs, strengths, and barriers to housing and supportive services.
• Connect individuals with housing, emergency shelter, healthcare, mental health and substance use treatment, and other community resources.
• Advocate for clients and help reduce barriers to accessing essential services.
• Provide crisis support and utilize de-escalation techniques when needed.
• Complete intakes, referrals, triage forms, call logs, financial requests, and other required documentation.
• Enter and maintain accurate client information in the Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS).
• Collaborate with local agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, housing organizations, faith-based organizations, and other community partners.
• Stay informed about available community resources and program eligibility requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, community outreach events, and public meetings.
• Present reports and updates on assigned projects and homelessness response strategies.
• Compile and report key performance data and metrics related to WPCOG's homelessness initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• An associate's degree in human services or a related field is required.
• A Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, business, public administration, or a non-profit-related field is preferred.
• Experience working with the homeless population or social services is preferred.

This requires some fieldwork.

Thank you for your interest in the Western Piedmont COG! We are in the process of reviewing all applications, and if we need any additional information, we will contact you.