Outreach Specialist (CalWORKS Team O)

§ Distribute survival supplies including but not limited to food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and socks.

§ Administer intakes, housing assessments and other forms documentation as needed.

§ Review and understand program data, as it pertains to reporting out with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

§ Assist homeless individuals with completing applications for services, transporting them to shelters, services, and other points as needed.

§ Collaborate with Coordinated Entry programs and other County services to place homeless individuals in housing and enroll them into services.

§ Provide targeted outreach to individuals who frequent emergency services but are not connected to stable housing and health services.

§ Must be able to work in the community and meet homeless consumers where they are, which includes but not limited to the woods, under bridges, and in abandoned houses.

§ Provide necessary referrals and information for temporary housing and community resources.

§ Provide program materials to community partners around shelter services (outreach to motels, churches, merchants).

§ Maintain and interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional demeanor.

§ Attend and participate in weekly case conferences as part of the county-wide CORE outreach program.

§ Attend community meetings with other service providers to share program information and coordinate services.

§ Comply with all policies and procedures guiding the work of this position and the department overall.

§ Attend training and meetings as required.

§ All other duties as assigned.

Job qualifications: § AA/AS degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field; OR

• § High School degree or equivalent plus a minimum 2-year direct experience working in a professional capacity with homeless, behavioral health or medically complex populations.
• Knowledge of the client population and their complex needs including homelessness, financial instability, medical and psychiatric illnesses, and substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.
• Ability to work well with diverse staff, stigmatized communities and clientele including cultural, language, sexual identity, gender and other diversity considerations within all neighborhoods in Contra Costa.
• Ability to work successfully both independently and cooperatively.
• Professional level competency using Internet, email, and Microsoft Word computer applications.
• Ability to use computers/internet to look up information and enter relevant notes.
• CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• With instruction, the ability to assist persons with disabilities and to help transfer a 180lb person and lift wheelchair in and out of a car or van.
• Ability to use a computer, phone or office equipment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to successfully and efficiently complete tasks in an environment where background noise is present, and interruptions may be constant.
• Ability to work fluctuating hours which may include day, swing or graveyard shifts.

§ Must possess a valid California driver’s license due to driving County vehicle.

§ Drivers must have a clean record with no infraction/accidents and be 21 years of age or older.

Preferred qualifications

§ Bilingual, bicultural in Spanish.

• § Previous experience or training in street outreach and case management.
• Knowledge of Contra Costa County and community resources.
• Knowledge of the Contra Costa emergency provider network.
• Prior experience with documentation and billing procedure.

Physical demands

Stand Frequently

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently: Handling / Fingering Frequently

Reach Outward Frequently

Reach Above Shoulder Frequently: Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Frequently

Lift / Carry Frequently - Up to 50 lbs.

Push/Pull Frequently - Up to 50 lbs.

See Frequently

Taste/ Smell Not Applicable: Not Applicable Not required for essential functions

Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs./day)

Frequently (2 - 5 hrs./day)

Constantly (5+ hrs./day)

Work environment

Various environments depending on job necessities can include, but not limited to: General Office Setting, Homeless Shelter, field work within Contra Costa County, frequently walking on uneven ground for long distances.

EEOC STATEMENT It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.