Outreach Specialist-Citywide (87920

Outreach Specialist-Citywide

Pioneer
- San Jose, CA 95118

Salary Range $30.89 - $30.89 Hourly Level Entry Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level High School

Travel Percentage Up to 25% Category Nonprofit
- Social Services

POSITION:
Outreach Specialist

PROGRAM/

LOCATION:

Citywide Outreach, Santa Clara County

SUPERVISOR:
Program Manager

JOB TYPE:
Full Time, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $30.89/Hourly

Established in 1980, Home First™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

• Kindness:
  We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion:
  We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence:
  We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

Home First Citywide Outreach is designed to connect street and encampment homeless individuals to shelter, services, and housing. The target populations for this program are vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals living on the streets or in encampments throughout San Jose. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the roads and other outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents.

The program aims to connect clients to services resulting in permanent housing.

The position reports to the Program Manager.

Direct Service 80%:

• Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless in San Jose.
• Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, health care, mental health services, etc.
• Transport clients, in an agency vehicle, to the BRC shelter or other appropriate destinations. Provide UPLIFT requests for those who qualify.
• Conduct VI-SPDATS assessments to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency, and appropriate housing or service program referral and placement.
• Complete all appropriate data collection, Salesforce, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of activities within two business days.
• Respond to the Homeless Helpline calls/emails for assistance within one business day.
• Assist clients with accessing public benefits and assistance as appropriate.
• Connect or refer clients to services provided at the BRC shelter service center.
• Make timely and accurate decisions in emergencies or crises with particular awareness of the need for the safety of all clients, staff, or volunteers involved.
• Provide street-based case management to the unhoused population.
• To provide access to emergency shelter, meals, showers, and laundry services to unsheltered homeless individuals.
• Staff the Hotline weekly and monitor/update the Outreach bed list.
• Provide excellent customer service when staffing Home First Homeless Helpline.
• Weekend and after-hours support are required when requested by the City.

General 20%:

• Utilize supervision appropriately, maintaining open lines of communication and providing updates on activities regularly.
• Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures.
• Properly report any suspected cases of abuse.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of highly-utilized locations in San Jose where the homeless congregate and camp

Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments and high-traffic areas)

Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (usually in a backpack, up to 30 lbs.)

Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless

Commitment to increasing the housing stability and self-sufficiency of the homeless

Strong verbal and written skills; knowledge of multiple languages is desirable

Good problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks

Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds and professional rank

Demonstrated effective communication skills

Knowledge and understanding of community resources and human services

Initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations

Good collaboration skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision

Ability to work as part of a diverse team

Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the internet

Other:

Clean driving record

Valid CA driver's license and legally required insurance; reliable transportation

Home First provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers'…