Outreach Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide outreach through the distribution of materials, informational/educational presentations and marketing to community members and possible participants.
• Address crowds of varying sizes and offer program presentations.
• Provide resource and referral services to community members and possible participants, particularly for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs services and entitlements, public benefits, and housing resources.
• Execute outreach plan functions and coordinate resources in conjunction with SSVF staff and other SSVF programs.
• Interface with representatives from referring agencies and partnering service providers in order to facilitate the delivery of program services and a steady flow of referrals.
• Assist program participants with accessing needed community services (housing, employment, medical, psychological, substance abuse, vocational, food, clothing, etc.) through the development of a referral network, referral and follow up.
• Maintain a small caseload of SSVF participants in accordance with SSVF standards.
• Assist with the development of Housing Stability Plans and follow-up re-certifications with participants.
• Act as advocate for participants as appropriate; encourage and support self-advocacy.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with colleagues and program managers.
• Document all services in compliance with agency standards.
• Work as a member of the social service team in the development of on-site and off-site socialization, educational, risk reduction and skill building activities with a view towards permanent housing stability.
• Liaison to community-based services and groups including civic, social service, government, businesses, landlords and non-profit organizations.
• Participate in ongoing individual supervision, team meetings, case conferences, division meetings and trainings.
• Assist with the development of Housing Stability Plans and follow-up re-certifications with participants, when applicable.
• Travel to outreach locations and engage stakeholders in the field, at medical centers, shelters and other outreach locations up to 90% of the time.
• Attend occasional events outside of normal business hours.
• Coordinate referrals for internal and external housing, employment and legal services.
• Promotes the SSVF Housing First model of service delivery, especially for persons who present with highest barriers to accessing and maintaining permanent housing.
• Remains current and updated on new regulations, policies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, combination of experience and education considered.
• Must have an ability travel to outreach locations including medical centers, homeless shelters, housing units, outreach events, and other locations across the catchment area to engage Veterans in the field.
• Willingness and ability to travel across various locations regularly including homeless shelters and VA locations (up to 90% of the time);
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible in work location (office/fieldwork locations) on a weekly basis.
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
• Lived expertise in homelessness or human services a plus;
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours a plus, including Veterans Day and occasional weekend hours
• Veterans strongly encouraged to apply

S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER