Outreach Specialist

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide compassionate, client-centered services to assist individuals in identifying and accessing more stable housing options.
• Provide trauma-informed, housing-focused case management, with an emphasis on identifying safe and appropriate alternatives to emergency shelter.
• Conduct outreach to inform the community about The Kearney Center and the services available to people experiencing homelessness.
• Collaborate with team members and community partners to provide service linkages and support systems that effectively serve clients.
• Ensure timely and thorough documentation of all services, including in-person meetings and collateral contacts.
• Maintain strict confidentiality across all forms of communication: written, spoken, and observed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Kearney Center and community resources available to people experiencing homelessness, and connect clients with these services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
• Maintain knowledge of programs and policies that impact people experiencing homelessness.
• Participate in weekly supervision and team meetings.
• Assess clients for services, with attention to exploring immediately available alternatives to entering the emergency shelter system.
• Determine eligibility for services.
• Coordinate diversion services when applicable to help prevent shelter entry.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Demonstrate awareness, acceptance, and the ability to work effectively with clients, staff, and community contacts from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Track eligible client information for entry into the shelter database via HMIS.
• Track, log, summarize, and report daily activities.
• Perform other assigned activities that build the capacity of guests and staff to fulfill the mission of The Kearney Center.
• Some evening hours may be required.

Education and Experience:

• Experience with case management and homelessness services preferred
• Bachelor's degree in social work or related human services preferred

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong verbal and written interpersonal communication skills
• Good working knowledge of local resources
• Compassionate and open-minded
• Commitment to practicing the values of dignity and respect with clients, coworkers, and community partners
• Ability to remain focused and calm in dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and utilize initiative
• Cooperative and flexible with people and systems
• Ability to collaborate with and present to partner agencies.
• Must uphold the The Kearney Center’s ethics and code of conduct at all times
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers: Windows, MS Office, email, and databases
• Must be able to pass background check to access and utilize the Homeless Management Information System

Work Environment:

Frequent driving, sitting, standing, and walking through rugged outdoor environments. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for up to 6 hours per day. Time is split between the field and general office environment with standard accessible office equipment. This position requires the working ability to carry 50lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.