What are the responsibilities and job description for the HOMELESS RESPONSE TEAM MEMBER - Temporary position at City of Lawrence?
T/S Homeless Response Team Member (Part-Time)
Summary:
The City of Lawrence is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join the Homeless Response Team as a part-time team member with specialized experience in benefits navigation. This role focuses on helping individuals experiencing homelessness access and maintain critical benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI (through the SOAR model), SNAP, and housing supports. Much of the work will be conducted in the community, including shelters and unsheltered locations. The position is part of a multidisciplinary team committed to connecting unhoused residents with the resources needed for stability.
Responsibilities:
Summary:
The City of Lawrence is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join the Homeless Response Team as a part-time team member with specialized experience in benefits navigation. This role focuses on helping individuals experiencing homelessness access and maintain critical benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI (through the SOAR model), SNAP, and housing supports. Much of the work will be conducted in the community, including shelters and unsheltered locations. The position is part of a multidisciplinary team committed to connecting unhoused residents with the resources needed for stability.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach in shelters, encampments, and other community locations where individuals experiencing homelessness reside.
- Serve as the team’s primary benefits navigator, assisting clients with applications for Medicaid, Medicare, SSI/SSDI (SOAR), SNAP, housing programs, and other public benefits.
- Provide consultation and guidance to teammates on complex benefits cases.
- Accurately document services and client progress in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Build rapport and trust with clients, assessing needs and advocating for access to benefits and services.
- Collaborate with the Homeless Response Team, including mental health, substance use, housing, and peer support specialists.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to outreach strategies.
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in all client interactions.
- Experience assisting individuals with obtaining and maintaining public benefits.
- SOAR SSI/SSDI certification and Medicaid/Medicare navigation strongly preferred.
- Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience of homelessness, mental health, or substance use recovery and certification as a Peer Support Specialist.
- Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness in outreach, shelter, or direct service roles.
- Familiarity with HMIS or similar data systems preferred.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of local social services and resources available to unhoused populations.
- Title: T/S Homeless Response Team Member (Part-Time)
- Part-time, temporary/seasonal, no benefits, up to 20 hours per week.
- Background check required.
- Work primarily in community settings, including shelters and unsheltered locations.