Street Outreach Specialist

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Job Duties:

• Works primarily outdoors to identify and build rapport with homeless individuals and families living on the street or in places not meant for habitation who have mental illness, or mental illness and substance abuse
• Demonstrates care and develops significant trust with client while maintaining strong boundaries in client relationships
• Becomes part of each community’s local housing prioritization team, or works diligently to aid in the development of prioritization for housing within the community
• Assists clients in breaking the cycle of homelessness by moving people from the street to appropriate housing and accessing necessary social services resources
• Provides individualized client support throughout the entire journey by helping each client develop a plan to address their barriers and access housing services
• Assists clients in accessing mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and resources for reducing harm
• Takes the lead on helping housing programs locate people living outdoors
• Provides individualized client support using evidence-based case management tools throughout the entire journey by helping each client develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and obtain and sustain permanent housing
• Participates in training opportunities when available, including but not limited to: Cultural Competency, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Prevention, Trauma-Informed Care, Person-Centered Care, use of the VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, Housing First, Critical Time Intervention and Housing Procurement and Support
• Maintains a minimum caseload of 25-30 households at any given time who are actively experiencing literal homelessness, though more households may require services based on need.
• Successfully moves 75% of annual caseload to permanent or temporary housing destinations
• Complies with all applicable standards of the WVCEH Personnel Manual and WVCEH Policies and Procedures

This position is described as moderate physical activity performing daily activities almost exclusively outdoors, with minimal administrative tasks. The employee may be outdoors and on foot for extended periods of time. The noise level is moderate depending on location. Travel throughout service area is required.

Equipment Used: Photocopiers, Scanners, Laptop Computer, tablet, cell phone.

Materials Used: Office supplies (e.g., bond paper, correction fluid, markers, toner), personal vehicle.

Noise: Moderate noise.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Successful candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter, able to prioritize tasks and manage a complex array of needs.
• Applicant should have an understanding in all areas related to homelessness, substance abuse and mental health.
• Ideally, candidates will have prior experience with people experiencing homelessness.
• Must have good problem-solving skills, communication and conflict resolution skills, and be proficient with computers.
• Prior experience using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a plus but not required.
• Applicant will need an understanding of community resources and the wherewithal to navigate complex eligibility requirements for community resources.
• Professional, mature demeanor with the ability to work independently is required.
• The successful candidate will have reliable transportation and must be willing to travel regularly throughout the designated region and to State office in Bridgeport, WV.
• Although a Bachelor’s Degree is not required, it is preferred. Past experience working in an outreach or case management role will be taken into consideration.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $19.37 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $19