About the role
JOB DESCRIPTION
Street Outreach Specialist
Job Purpose:
The Street Outreach Specialist is responsible for delivering compassionate effective housing-focused street outreach services for persons experiencing homelessness. The Street Outreach Specialist works within the community to Identify and engage individuals, link them with resources and assist them in securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. The goal is to create the greatest possible impact on ending homelessness for the unsheltered in our community and outside of the Grace Marketplace campus.
Primary Responsibilities:
Support the mission and vision of ACCHH’s Grace Marketplace.
Perform work in a safe manner observing all safety policies/procedures.
Perform duties and interact with team members and the people we serve in a professional manner.
Respect the diversity of others including, but not limited to, an individual's identified cultural, ethnicity and gender; a person’s housing status, and a person’s disclosed disabilities.
Provide a safe, dignified, and respectful environment for all people served.
Ensure the confidentiality of staff and all persons served.
Provide outreach and engagement services to people experiencing homelessness.
Practice Diversion away from homeless services as appropriate and as a first step.
Assess client’s immediate housing needs (VI-SPDAT, TAY-VI-SPDAT or F-VI-SPDAT).
Link clients with crisis housing (emergency shelter) as appropriate.
Understand all processes and procedures of the Continuum of Care, including Street Outreach Protocols and Procedures, Coordinated Entry, Homeless Prevention, Prioritization, Chronic Homelessness, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project Based Vouchers (PBV), Domestic Violence, Veteran’s Services, Youth Services, etc.
When appropriate, complete in-depth assessment (SPDAT or F-SPDAT) to help determine housing and rental assistance interventions.
Collaborate with clients to develop individualized housing and budget plans.
Link clients with appropriate resource referrals (e.g. Mental Health, Substance Use, employment, EBT, SSA, etc.) and assist clients in engaging services utilizing ‘warm hand-offs’ when appropriate.
Complete client related data tracking information, including case notes and complete HMIS entries. Maintain a 97% Data Quality standard on all HMIS entries.
Continually seek ways to improve program practices, policies and procedures.
Adhere to all ACCHH/Grace Marketplace’s policies and procedures.
Participate in Street Outreach Team meetings.
Assist the Street Outreach Program Manager to ensure compliance with relevant grants.
Assist the Street Outreach Program Manager to maintain relevant community partnerships.
Other duties as assigned by the Street Outreach Program Manager.
Qualifications:
At least two years of experience in case management, social work and/or other social service fields. Lived experience can replace professional experience.
Familiarity with local human service providers and other community resources and agencies.
Effective communications skills, including both verbal and non-verbal, as well as active listening.
Ability to engage and build trust and rapport with difficult to serve and/or resistant populations.
Ability to work with diverse communities with non-judgmental approaches.
Highly motivated self-starter and ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
Demonstrate an ability to work independently and/or as part of a team.
Strong problem solving and conflict de-escalation/resolution skills.
Understand the relationship between income and housing to build a realistic housing plan.
Computer skills and experience, with proficiency in online data management systems (HMIS).
Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons with disabilities or who are disadvantaged.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons with substance abuse disorders and mental illness.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons who are survivors of domestic violence.
Previous experience working with the homeless population is preferred.
Physical Demands:
Lifting up to 50 pounds, stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, and bending. Ability to help persons make it to appointments/events. Occasionally, helping persons move belongs into housing or shelter. Ability to complete check request and reimbursement forms. Ability to travel in the greater Gainesville area. Ability to talk to people and build rapport.
Culture & Benefits:
GRACE is an exciting, fast-paced organization filled with some of the best people you could ever hope to meet. All of our programs - day services, permanent housing, emergency shelter, volunteers, outreach and more - are organized around three core values: Safety, Impact, and Respect. We’re on a mission to end homelessness, and we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to improve what we do. GRACE offers opportunities to make your work schedule fit your life.
Position Details, Salary, and Benefits:
Department: Street Outreach
Location: 3055 NE 28th Drive, Gainesville FL, 32609
Reports to: Director of Street Outreach
Status: Full-time, Salaried (Exempt)
Salary: $20/hr - $22/hr
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, & Life Insurance
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