Outreach Specialist

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief and non-recurring.

Outreach Specialists will be the first point of contact for clients and work to engage them in conversations about services and pathways to housing. Outreach Specialists will utilize trauma informed care to communicate with clients, remain patient, non judgemental and understanding, and be able to carry a calm disposition in a hectic environment. 

Hours and Benefits

• Outreach Specialist is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, eligible for medical, dental, vision, 403b, and our generous PTO plan.
• Regular hours are Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for some positions. 

Wages

Case Manager II Pay Band

$24.91 $26.16, $27.46 $28.84, $30.28, $31.79

Case Manager II Starting Wage (DOE):

$24.91, $26.16

Preferred Experience and Education Requirements

 Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge would be: 

• A minimum of one year of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Case Manager I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the organization may be required for certain positions.

Thorough knowledge of:

• Social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.
• Principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms.
• Reactions to stress.
• Social and economic factors that lead to homelessness for individuals and households.
• Community health, welfare, social, and legal support systems, and other resources available to clients.
• Interviewing and record keeping techniques, including the documentation of all actions and contacts in case files.

Typical Job Duties:

• Provide first point of contact and engagement for individuals/ families experiencing homelessness.
• Effectively engaging potential clients out in the community, e.g. approaching individuals who may be experiencing homelessness off site and engaging them in a conversation about resources and options for housing. 
• Build supportive rapport through recurring contacts with households experiencing homelessness before they enter housing programs.
• Assess new participants through the HNS (Housing Needs Assessment) and HMIS Standardized Intake
• Enter intake and assessment data into HMIS and set up client records in accordance with Housing Matters policies and procedures. 
• Work and efficiently communicate with partner organizations to stay up-to-date on community resources; coordinate with other outreach programs for group outreach and events.
• Accept each individual for who they are and where they are; provide options, information and choices that allow for stimulating change.
• Work with households as they begin to think about housing options; engage in problem solving to access immediate housing, services and shelter options.
• Facilitate client assistance funding to move eligible households into permanent housing in Santa Cruz County as well as other locations.
• Coordinate with staff to support entry into programs or shelter when immediate housing is not available.
• Meet all administrative requirements including record-keeping, HMIS, staff meetings, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality and treat participants with dignity and respect at all times.
• Provide coordination and smooth transitions to housing programs.
• Review program data monthly and report back to the appropriate Program Manager with statistical highlights, found anomalies, recent trends, etc...

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Housing Matters provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.