POSITION: Outreach Specialist
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Outreach/Sunnyvale Shelter, Sunnyvale, CA
SUPERVISOR: Program Manager
STATUS: Regular/Temporary, Full-time, Non-Exempt

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.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Service 80%
Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless in Sunnyvale.
Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, healthcare, 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 as appropriate to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency, and appropriate housing or service program referral and/or placement.
Complete all appropriate data collection, Salesforce, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of activities within 2 business days.
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 emergency or crisis situations with particular awareness of the need for 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.
Weekend and after-hours support required when requested from 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.

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 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 license and legally required insurance; reliable transportation

ABOUTTHEAGENCY:

Weservemorethan5,000adults,veterans,families,andyoutheachyearateightlocationsincludingtheBoccardoReceptionCenter,whichis thecounty’slargesthomelessservicescenter.In40 yearsofexperience,we’velearnedthateveryonehasthepotentialtogethousedandstay housed.Wearerelentlesslyfocusedoneliminatingbarrierstohousingandstabilityfor everyone we serve.HomeFirst 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.

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 accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

HomeFirst takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst mandates that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.

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