The Housing Assessment Outreach Coordinator, under the guidance of the Housing Coordination Supervisor, will focus on the coordination of clients into housing programs. The Coordinator will work directly with individuals who are homeless or facing homelessness, either in person or by phone as necessary, to conduct assessments; and will work closely with existing outreach agencies and activities in the community to facilitate the search for and placement of those experiencing homelessness into available housing programs. The Coordinator will provide Intake and coordination services through the use of such programs as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the Coordination Entry System (CES), and to connect ESG-eligible individuals meeting the “homeless” and “at risk of homeless” definitions to homeless services and providers; if housing is not immediately available, will work to identify and secure interim shelter. This full-time non-exempt position is funded through October 2019 and carries the possibility that it may not be renewed if further funding is not obtained. No contract is implied; this position is “at-will” and employment may be terminated at any time by the employee or the employer. The availability of grant funds does not guarantee continued employment. Following training in Rancho Cucamonga, the Coordinator will be based primarily in IEUW’s High Desert office, reporting as needed to Rancho Cucamonga.
Essential Functions: - 85%
- Develop and execute client-centered strategies to assist people who are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis in person and/or over the phone
- Assess eligible persons with prescreening tools such as iCarol and VI-SPDAT, either in person or over the phone
- Match individuals experiencing homelessness to available programs through direct referrals when possible or provide mainstream resources by utilizing diversion tools
- Provide clients with preliminary assistance by becoming “document ready” or satisfying immediate needs such as food, clothing, hygiene and other basic items; identify other community resources and provide referrals to housing, medical and mental health services
- Provide in-person assistance, including escorts and facilitating smooth transition ("warm handoffs") to other service and housing providers
- Advocate with other agencies for individuals to receive necessary services and housing
- Respond to calls from stakeholders and partners involving concerns about homeless persons in need of assistance
- Conduct client follow-up
- Attend case conferences, community meetings, and/or any housing meetings as assigned by Supervisor
- Mentor Interns, volunteers, community workers or other personnel assigned to the Coordinated Entry department
- Record clients information in various systems including, but not limited to, iCarol, HMIS, and Excel spreadsheets
- Process referrals to housing partners following determination of eligibility and availability of housing, focusing on hardest to serve/most vulnerable populations
- Maintain performance parameters and learn through various means to gain appropriate knowledge of housing programs and services
Secondary functions – 15%
- Reports and feedback
- Other duties as assigned
- Experience working in homeless outreach or providing direct services to persons experiencing homelessness or two years of comparable work experience
- Compassionate and non-judgmental, with tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas
- Ability to recognize opportunities to enhance community relations
- Comfortable Public Speaking, leadership skill’s preferred not required
- Call Center experience preferred
- Knowledge of a local Homeless Information System preferred not required
- Applicant must have a passion and desire to work toward ending homelessness
- 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, including correct grammar and ability to summarize, is mandatory
- Proficient computer skills, 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 $16.50/hour, $17.00/hour if bilingual English/Spanish, payable bi-weekly. Benefits include vision, dental, medical, life, AD&D and long term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick-leave.