Description

Sobrato House San Jose, California

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

PROGRAM SUMMARY:
HomeFirst 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.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
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 HomeFirst 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.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
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

ABOUTTHEAGENCY:

We serve more than 5,000 adults, veterans, families, and youth each year at eight locations, including the Boccardo Reception Center, which is the county’s largest homeless services center. In40 yearsofexperience,we’velearnedthateveryonehasthepotentialtogethousedandstayhoused.Wearerelentlesslyfocusedoneliminating barriers tohousingandstabilityfor everyone we serve.

HomeFirst Services 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 is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.

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