Outreach Specialist, Public Spaces - Union Station Homeless Services

TITLE: Outreach Specialist, MDT Public Spaces

DEPARTMENT: Programs

REPORTS TO: Manager, MDT El Monte

Employment Status: Full Time

Reg. Hours Worked: 40 / Week, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Hourly Rate: 24.04/hr

JOB SUMMARY:

The Outreach Specialist, Public Spaces conducts outreach and housing navigation, with a specific focus on County-operated lands and facilities (e.g., County Libraries, Parks, Public Works facilities and Metropolitan Transportation Authority stations.) The Outreach Specialist uses a universal assessment tool to determine vulnerability, and provides linkage to housing and supportive services. The Outreach Specialist addresses the individuals’ immediate needs and works to engage them in the housing navigation process, with the goal of assisting homeless individuals with moving into permanent housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts outreach activities in County Departments and Public Spaces to engage homeless individuals and support them in pursuing permanent housing options.
• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals.
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
• Connects individuals to supportive services as needed such as mental health, medical care, substance abuse, employment, etc.
• Documents services and completes data entry into HMIS database.
• Provides linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
• Provides transportation assistance.
• Conducts follow-up activities to ensure completion of the housing plan.
• Identifies appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.
• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
• Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Requires use of a computer keyboard.
• Travel to off-site meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care and others.
• Current in knowledge of social work practices and principles related to best practice standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, G-Mail).
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS Homeless Management Information System.
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner).
• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services or similar field preferred.
• 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals in an outreach/navigation capacity or case management experience.
• Successful demonstration of required skills through current or past USHS employment may be considered in lieu of the standard required years of experience.

UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES EMBRACES DIVERSITY

We embrace our differences and are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion and belonging. Our commitment to racial equity within the organization is crucial to who we are and the clients we serve. Committed to being an anti-racist organization and sharing the unique cultural experiences from our networks, we offer annual racial equity training, host ongoing learning experiences through our lunch n' learns, and participate in on-going mental health trainings.

We promote acceptance, respect, teamwork, and fosters diversity in the workplace. We believe every individual has a story, past, and a unique set of skills that shape who we are and through this network, we can learn from each other to become better versions of ourselves personally and professionally. Through our staff-led network focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, we work to communicate, educate, and express diverse cultivation through our eight Diversity Networks. We are honored that the Diversity Network has been recognized as part of the Community Impact Awards presented by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Union Station Homeless Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer