Relief Staff (CORE)

The Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) program works collaboratively in small teams to engage and stabilize homeless individuals living outside to identify plans to end their homelessness permanently.  The CORE Outreach Specialist is responsible for street outreach efforts in Contra Costa County which include building trust with individuals and families that are not being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems. The Outreach Specialist works collaboratively to locate, engage, stabilize and house chronically homeless individuals and families. The CORE Outreach Specialist plays a key role among a multidisciplinary team which serves to support and stabilize individuals moving from street to service. CORE teams work fluctuating hours.

Salary: $22.05 - $26.25 Hourly

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervision of adult homeless clients in an emergency shelter in terms of access to safe housing, meals, and services.
• Intake of adult applicants to assess housing need, support and benefits services.
• Develop and manage emergency shelter day-to-day services.
• Supervision of engagement activities designed to build a healthy and safe environment for sleeping, eating, and living in a group setting.
• Communication, both verbal and written, with adult clients, staff, law enforcement and others to determine situational shelter needs.
• Documentation in case records, and files to ensure the written record of work performed on behalf of clients, including completion of incident reports.
• Light housekeeping/general clean up.
• Ability to handle emergency incidents, including medical, mental health, violent and/or other unanticipated events, including evacuation due to earthquake, chemical release, incarceration, or other incidents.
• Other duties as required

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct mobile and street outreach throughout Contra Costa County for the purpose of engaging homeless individuals into services.
• Build trust with and assess the needs of unsheltered homeless persons encountered during outreach efforts; make initial contact and develop rapport with homeless adults, youth and families.
• Distribute survival supplies including but not limited to food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and socks.
• Administer intake questionnaires, assessments and other forms of tracking documentation as needed. Assist homeless individuals with completing applications for services, transporting them to shelters, services, and other points as needed.
• Collaborate with Coordinated Entry programs and other County services to place homeless individuals in housing and enroll them into services.
• Provide targeted outreach to individuals who frequent emergency services but are not connected to stable housing and health services.
• Provide necessary referrals and information for temporary housing and community resources.
• Provide program materials to community partners around shelter services (outreach to motels, churches, merchants).
• Maintain and interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional demeanor.
• Attend and participate in weekly case conferences as part of the county-wide CORE outreach program.
• Attend community meetings with other service providers to share program information and coordinate services.
• Comply with all policies and procedures guiding the work of this position and the department overall.
• Attend training and meetings as required.
• Will be called to provide relief for the CORE program.
• Assist and support Dispatch as needed

 ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Knowledge of the client population and their complex needs including homelessness, financial instability, medical and psychiatric illnesses, and substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
2. Ability to work well with diverse staff, stigmatized communities and clientele including cultural, language, sexual identity, gender and other diversity considerations within all neighborhoods in Contra Costa.
3. Ability to work successfully both independently and cooperatively.
4. Professional level competency using Internet, email, and Microsoft Word computer applications.
5. Ability to use computers/internet to look up information and enter relevant notes.
6. CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.
7. Ability to use a computer, phone, or office equipment for extended periods of time.
8. Ability to successfully and efficiently complete tasks in an environment where background noise is present, and interruptions may be constant.
9. Must possess a valid California driver’s license due to driving County vehicle.
10. Must be able to access remote locations that may require traveling through rough terrain more than two miles in possible inclement weather conditions.
11. Drivers must have a clean record with no infraction/accidents and be 21 years of age or older also participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bilingual, bicultural in Spanish.
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or accessing behavioral health services.
• Previous experience or training in street outreach and clinical case management.
• Knowledge of Contra Costa County and community resources.
• Knowledge of the Contra Costa emergency provider network.
• Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures.

Education/Experience:

• Successful applicants must have a high school diploma/GED
• 1 year work experience working with vulnerable or special needs populations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Occasionally
Sit: Frequently
Handling / Fingering: Frequently
Reach Outward: Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
See: Constantly
Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Not Applicable-Not required for essential functions
Occasionally- (0 - 2 hrs/day)
Frequently-(2 - 5 hrs/day)
Constantly-(5 hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
General Office and Homeless Shelter

EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Salary : $22 - $26