Outreach Specialist – Homeless Call Center

Under the supervision and direction of the Program Supervisor, the Outreach Specialist team will identify, assess and refer homeless individuals in Santa Clara County to appropriate housing programs and services. The team will address a person’s mental health, substance use disorder and/or medical needs by building trust with the individual or family and identify opportunities through which services can be provided. The team’s responsibility is to build some level of rapport with the individuals over a period of time, help the individuals seek services that, at a minimum, would address their basic needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct street outreach to areas frequented by street youth, adults and families, including high priority encampments
• Respond to calls from the Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) in advance of clean-up activities and/or in response to community concerns.
• Utilize motivational interviewing skills to build trust and engagement with individual or family
• Coordinate connections to temporary and emergency housing through Here4You hotline
• Provide clients linkages to mental health and substance abuse services when applicable
• Conduct VI-SPDATS intakes and assessments in accordance with the current HMIS standards in the County
• Document activities and client services per agency protocols and adhere to HMIS standards
• Develop a robust knowledge of community resources
• Coordinate services with county-wide community based agencies serving the unhoused population.
• Identifying, encouraging and helping clients connect to social support networks
• Will support hotline Call Center team when needed based on program supervisor needs
• Assist clients with transportation needs when directed by program supervisor
• Will be responsible in enrolling clients into the Here4You program and send appropriate referrals to shelter if needed
• Will support with other duties tasked by program supervisor as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge or lived experience of young adults who are unstably housed or homeless; understanding of street life, trauma and survival mechanisms so that you can engage young person with understanding and empathy to engage in services and reduce risk factors that might place them in harms way. Bachelor’s degree or working on degree in human services field is desirable. Experience working with culturally diverse youth and parenting youth required. Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business. Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice. TB test required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person