Detroit Street Outreach Specialist (FT)

Scope:

The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for conducting street-outreach to those individuals and families who are homeless. 

Essential Functions

• Conduct street-outreach and engagement to homeless persons who are sleeping in shelters, on the streets, in encampments or other places not meant for human habitation (i.e. streets, under bridges or automobiles) through face-to-face intervention.
• Target homeless households or individuals who are also experiencing Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and connect them to the appropriate homeless response team/coordinated entry for housing options.
• Collaborate with Out-Wayne Continuum of Care (CoC) and neighboring CoCs to rapidly and successful house those qualifying for the PATH program. This could include work in identifying individuals on Veteran and Chronic By-Name-Lists.
• Conduct initial housing screenings using the identified SPDAT; also providing the most appropriate level of service by assessing acuity and prioritizing need.
• Provide light-tough case management to qualifying individuals and families.
• Seek and secure supportive services based on specificity of need. Services may include but are not limited to assistance with housing support and connections, accessing identification and eligibility documents, food, clothing, linkage to income supports through SOAR or other avenues, linkage to physical and mental health treatment, and the development of an individualized plan for provision of services.
• Knowledge of the Michigan Department for Health and Human Services (MDHHS) PATH Program.
• Attend all required trainings including those required by Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) and Wayne Metro. 
• Work closely with Agency staff to share information gathered regarding services available for the homeless and subpopulations, the means through which to access those services, and contacts which may be helpful in efforts to ensure clients are well served.
• Maintain accurate data and program records which are compatible with those maintained by WMCAA for the purpose of deriving statistics, meeting federal and state requirements, and compiling program reports as may be requested by program management.
• Maintain a positive attitude toward assigned work, clients, staff, and a willingness to work with others. 
• Work collaboratively with Manager to identify weekly schedule, ensuring schedule aligns with PATH program goals and identified areas. Monitor and enhance effective utilization of time.
• Actively participate in all staff meetings by being prepared utilizing problem-solving skills and providing appropriate feedback to team members.
• Assist the Supportive Housing and Homeless Services (SHHS) department in other areas of our mission as needed and as directed by management staff.
• Support Wayne Metro’s mission of empowering individuals and communities to be strong, healthy and thriving.
• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment with a usually quiet noise level. This is largely an active role and the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and frequently use hands and to talk or hear.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred or a combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years’ experience conducting street outreach to hard sleepers and those experiencing a severe and persistence mental illness, 
• Knowledge of Wayne County demographics, the needs of the homeless and those at-risk of homelessness in Wayne County and services available to meet those needs.
• Possess strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills to ensure that supportive services are delivered to eligible clients through engagement, education, and systems development. 
• Experience with the Michigan Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) preferred but not required.

Minimum Competencies:

• Maintain the 10 Core Competencies identified by MDHHS PATH Program; Safety Strategies, Cultural Competency, Motivational Interviewing, Assertive engagement, Mental Health first aid, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Person-Centered Care, Overdose first aid, and Documentation requirements. 
• Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel. The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
• Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability. 
• Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, physical and behavior health, age, and educational barriers.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).
• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to various sites.

Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Valid identification and reliable transportation.
• Although the Covid-19 vaccination is no longer mandated, it is encouraged. Wayne Metro will always prioritize the safety of our staff and clients.

Work Hours:  

Work schedule is Monday – Friday, with specific hours (and occasional Saturdays) to be determined by department needs. 

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.