Temp Outreach Specialist-Sonoma

Position

Outreach Specialist – Sonoma County

Sonoma County, Sonoma, CA 95476

Temporary, Full‑time, Non‑Exempt (July 2026 – January 2027)

$24.98 hourly

The Home First Coordinated Entry System Outreach team locates participants identified as eligible for housing interventions who have not yet been connected to case management. The team, in partnership with Home First, provides outreach throughout Sonoma County to connect vulnerable participants with housing opportunities.

• Prefers fieldwork over office work and is self‑driven and flexible.
• Has a “whatever it takes” mindset, creative in moving people into housing and meeting clients where they are.
• Persistent and inventive in locating participants and problem‑solving barriers.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented, and drives progress toward shared goals.
• Organized and accountable to multiple priorities.
• Committed to working with individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds.

Direct Services (60%)

• Provide linkage and coordinate services to community resources (health care, shelter, vital documents, benefits applications, family reunification, housing problem solving, etc.).
• Use best practices in homeless services:
  Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma‑Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Prevention, and Safety Planning.
• Advocate for participants, collaborate with community partners to connect them to referred housing opportunities, and gather necessary documentation.
• Ensure verification follows HUD and contract standards.
• Conduct warm handoff to supportive service providers; refer participants within one business day.
• Execute outreach strategies to locate and re‑engage participants.
• Provide access to emergency shelter, meals, showers, and laundry services for at‑risk participants.
• Make timely decisions in emergency or crisis situations while ensuring safety.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally with all individuals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Documentation (25%)

• Document all outreach activity in HMIS within five business days, using progress notes.
• Maintain detailed case notes and update necessary touchpoints.
• Gather, upload, and track scanned documents and verifications.
• Track locates and non‑locates through internal trackers.
• Maintain a physical case file as needed.
• Assist with data quality management and analysis of participant information.
• Participate in program alignment with best practices and improve program services.
• Additional data quality auditing duties as assigned.

General (15%)

• Attend all relevant meetings and training.
• Assist with office tasks as needed.
• Collaborate with Program Manager and use supervision appropriately.
• Report participatory progress at regional By‑Name‑List meetings.
• Report suspected abuse cases.
• Maintain professional conduct.
• Continuously improve proficiency through training and education.
• Implement agency, program, and county standards and policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of key locations in Sonoma County where homeless congregate.
• Ability to walk long distances and rough terrain, lift up to 30 lbs.
• Sensitivity to the needs of the homeless and commitment to housing stability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; multilingual desirable.
• Problem‑solving and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Collaboration skills and ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of community resources and human services.
• Basic computer skills, including MS Office and internet usage.

Home First provides 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus additional wellness options such as chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Benefits include a 401(k) retirement plan with matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, workers’ compensation, 12 holidays, sick leave, 15 days of PTO annually (increasing with tenure), and 8 hours of civic engagement leave each year.

Home First values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. The organization is an Equal…