Housing Specialist - Outreach

Description

The Housing Specialist - Outreach position works with individuals and families that are homeless with a focus on those living outside or in systems of care, to navigate through the coordinated assessment process from entry to diversion and/or housing placement. Housing Specialist - Outreach also works closely and collaboratively with partner agency outreach teams to understand referral needs and identify those eligible for program.

Receives directions from Council for the Homeless Coordinated Outreach Manager.

• Maintain flexibility and work within a collaborative team to ensure people living outside or in systems of care have access to the coordinated entry and resource navigation.
• Engage with individuals and families who are homeless in the community and systems of care to place them on the path to immediate shelter and housing programs and reduce their barriers to housing.
• Provide diversion coaching and financial assistance, as needed.
• Maintain client centered and proactive in all facets of the role connecting clients to needed supports, as requested and appropriate.
• Create, complete, and maintain accurate files and data entry based on funding source requirements.
• Meet all agency confidentiality requirements.
• Meet with clients in the field, at satellite locations or over the phone, depending on identified needs and on‑going assignments.
• Provide outreach services during evening and at least one weekend day based on a regular schedule.
• Work collaboratively with partnering agencies and government funders to ensure that all eligibility determinations are accurate and supporting documents satisfy the funding requirements for each program.
• Establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with colleagues, teams and partnering agencies.
• A willingness to apply a trauma informed and equity lens when providing services, and communicating with clients, colleagues and staff.
• Consistently comply with position and department safety and attendance standards.
• Strong cultural awareness and humility.
• Ability to accept feedback as an opportunity to improve and excel.
• Ability to remain empathetic, kind, and nonjudgmental regardless of the situation.
• Be a positive, self‑motivated individual who has demonstrated the ability to work independently and well with others as a member of various teams.
• Willing to work in an environment with constantly changing priorities and roles without losing enthusiasm for the organization mission.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

The Housing Specialist - Outreach establishes practices and procedures within CFTH guidelines and contributes to the development of new concepts. Work situations are frequently new and varied. The workplace environment will include a variety of in‑office, outreach, satellite, and remote work from home. The position requires at least 30% of the working hours to be during the evening and on at least one weekend day.

Position receives minimal supervision. Incumbent is required to meet established performance standards. Position requires a high degree of complexity, self‑direction, customer service skills, strong interpersonal boundaries, self‑care practices, and understanding that errors can result in an individual or family being placed in an inappropriate program and prolonging their homelessness. A strong relationship with community partners will be essential for the success of the position.

Contacts are normally made with others both within the CFTH offices and outside the agency. They frequently contain confidential/sensitive information necessitating discretion at all times.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to effectively administer programs and to attract and retain program volunteers. Strong interpersonal skills are required to work with staff and clients from diverse socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of best practices around coordinated entry/assessments and understanding of Clark County resources for low income and homeless individuals…