What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual Outreach Specialist(HST) position at Pathways to Housing DC?
Pathways to Housing DC serves people in the District and Montgomery County, MD. We are an innovative and nationally recognized nonprofit committed to ending homelessness for individuals with complex health challenges. Pathways DC is one of the originators of the "Housing First" model to end homelessness. We believe housing is healthcare and that housing is a basic human right. Pathways provides an array of services including housing, street outreach, case management, drop-in services, workforce development services and behavioral health support.
The Montgomery County Urban District Outreach team is responsible for engaging those experiencing homelessness in downtown Silver Spring and the urban district of Wheaton. Team members work to engage and build rapport with individuals so they can assist an individual in obtaining permanent housing. The goal is to connect unsheltered households with essential services, including housing assistance, shelter, healthcare and mental health support.
Approximately 75% of the time will be spent in the community, directly providing services to people who are living on the street. Shift schedules include an 8-hour shift between 6am-11 pm, Monday through Friday (and weekends or overnight before extreme weather conditions). Successful candidates are committed to ending homelessness and have a fundamental belief that hope, and recovery is always possible.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Carry a caseload of up to clients, with varying levels of engagement in outreach services.
- Work with individuals who are street homeless or who have been identified for pre-release and assist individuals in finding stable housing options.
- Utilize motivational interviewing, overdose prevention, trauma informed and client centered approaches to engage and build rapport and connect clients to services.
- Maintain records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including service transactions, monthly case plans, incident reports, referrals, and housing needs assessments in a timely manner.
- Assist clients in applying for all benefits that they may qualify for. Examples such as SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security Benefits, Veteran's benefits, mental health and primary care services.
- Collaborate with other agencies to address barriers for individuals to receive necessary services and housing.
- Respond promptly to calls involving concerns about an unsheltered individual in need of assistance.
- Engage with individuals in urban encampments.
- Participate in various Coordinated Entry System (CES) activities such as, but not limited to, the CES housing & Prioritization Bi-Monthly meeting, the annual HUD Point-in-Time Count, and bi-annual unsheltered count.
- Perform related work as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bilingual English/Spanish required
- Bachelor's degree or related field experience required.
- Have at least one (1) year of experience providing services to the homeless or to low-income individuals that have multiple behavioral health issues. Five (5) years' work experience in homeless services can be substituted for a BA degree.
- Excellent communication, writing, database management, and computer skills. Experience with Excel, Microsoft Forms and Teams a plus.
- Demonstrated knowledge of overdose prevention and positive change applications preferred.
- Driver's License required.