The Housing Outreach Coordinator, under the purview of the Housing Coordinator Supervisor, will focus on the coordination of clients into housing programs. He or she will work closely with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, with or without disabilities, in person or by phone as needed, conducting assessments and working with agencies to facilitate the placing of individuals/families into housing programs they provide. This will involve working closely with external outreach programs in the community to coordinate the search for individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as to develop and implement new outreach strategies to overcome barriers in the community. This position will focus on the new program, Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP), working closely with clients to access emergency shelter, and will lead the HDAP project in the community and develop partnerships with motel/hotel management to provide shelter to clients eligible for HDAP services. This full-time, non-exempt, grant-funded position carries with it the possibility that it may not be renewed if further funding is not obtained. The availability of grant funds does not guarantee continued employment. No contract is implied; this position is “at-will” and employment may be terminated at any time by the employee or the employer. This position reports to the Housing Coordinator Supervisor.
Essential Functions – 80%
- Provide excellent customer service to people who are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis in person or over the phone
- Assess eligible persons with prescreening and VI-SPDAT tools in person or over the phone
- Provide clients preliminary assistance such as becoming “document ready” or satisfying immediate needs such as food, clothing, hygiene articles, and other basic items
- Develop relationships with external partners and coordinating outreach events and/or efforts in the community
- Work closely with engagement teams, case managers, and housing navigators
- Identify available community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services
- Provide in-person assistance, including transportation and facilitation of smooth transition ("warm handoffs") to other service and housing providers
- Provide Housing Navigation on a case by case basis
- Advocate with other agencies for individuals to receive necessary services and housing
- Respond to crises and to calls from stakeholders involving concerns about homeless persons in need of assistance
- Coordinating housing with clients, with Housing Locators and agency program staff
- Successfully maintain performance parameters and learn through various means to maintain appropriate knowledge of housing programs and services
- Conduct client follow-up and document outcomes
- Document cases through all appropriate systems and create case files for CES and Finance
- Abide by CES and HDAP Policies and procedures for implementation of services and guidance for required submissions
- Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed
Secondary Functions – 20%
- Reporting to all stakeholders for the HDAP program
- Work in conjunction with Supervisor and Finance Department creating a process for the voucher system
- Other duties as assigned
- Experience working in homeless outreach or providing direct services to persons experiencing homelessness preferred
- Two years of prior comparable work experience
- Leadership experience preferred
- Public speaking experience desirable
- Able to listen with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and point of view; demonstrate tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas
- Recognize opportunities to enhance community relations
- Passion and desire to work towards ending homelessness a must
- Patience to manage critical cases with chronic disabilities
- Knowledge of local resources and HUD regulations preferred but not required
- Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical skills preferred but not required
- Excellent writing skills required, including correct grammar and ability to summarize
- Proficient computer skills required including competency with MS Office and working with a variety of programs
- English/Spanish bilingual preferred
- Must have reliable transportation, a valid California Driver’s License and the minimum personal liability insurance coverage required under California law and IEUW insurance carriers
Wages $17.00/hour, payable bi-weekly. Benefits include vision, dental, medical, life, AD&D and long term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick-leave.