POSITION: Outreach Specialist
Compensation-$28.56 Hourly
Program Summary:
HomeFirst Sunnyvale 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 who are living on the streets or in encampments throughout Sunnyvale. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the streets and other outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents. The goal of the program is to connect clients to services that will result in permanent housing.
Responsibilities:
Direct Service 80%
- Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless in Santa Clara County.
- Complete field-based pre-screens of homeless veterans to determine eligibility for SSVF.
- Provide information and referral 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 as needed.
- Conduct assessments as appropriate to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency, and appropriate housing or service program referral and/or placement.
- Complete all appropriate data collection, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of activities within 1 business day.
- Respond to the communities calls for assistance as quickly as possible.
- Assist clients with accessing public benefits and assistance as appropriate.
- Connect or refer clients to services provided at the BRC shelter service center as appropriate.
- Make timely and accurate decisions in emergency or crisis situations with awareness of the need for safety of all clients, staff, or volunteers involved.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field is a plus
Having personal or professional experiences with homelessness Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
Knowledge of highly-utilized locations in Sunnyvale where homeless congregate and camp
Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:
- Having personal or professional experiences with homelessness
- Knowledge of the locations in Santa Clara County where homeless congregate and camp
- Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments)
- Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (usually in a backpack, up to 40 lbs.)
- Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless
- Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the Veteran population
- Commitment to increasing the housing stability and self-sufficiency of the homeless
- Strong verbal and written skills; multiple languages 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 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 team
- Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the internet
Other:
- Valid CA Driver License
- Reliable personal vehicle
- Able to perform sedentary work;
- Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;
- Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;
- Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;
About HomeFirst Services:
Established in 1980, with 40+ years of experience, we are the premier Silicon Valley provider of homelessness services. We believe that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We relentlessly focus on eliminating barriers to housing and creating stability for everyone we serve.
HomeFirst Services serves more than 6,000 adults, veterans, families, and young adults each year at multiple locations from Gilroy to Menlo Park all of Santa Clara County as well as southern San Mateo County.
Services include:
- Homelessness prevention
- Emergency and cold-weather shelters
- Comprehensive Veterans Services
- Rapid Rehousing programs
- Bridge Housing Communities
- Emergency Interim Housing
- Affordable permanent housing
- Permanent Supportive housing
- Street-based outreach
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
HomeFirst mandates that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.
