The Outreach Specialist conducts field outreach to engage and stabilize individuals experiencing homelessness by assessing their needs and facilitating access to medical, mental health, and housing services. They work collaboratively with city agencies and service providers to provide crisis intervention and maintain accurate documentation of client care.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent with at least two years of relevant experience, or an associate degree, along with a valid California driver's license. Applicants should possess basic knowledge of homelessness and complex health needs, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
The San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT) works collaboratively in small teams to engage and stabilize individuals experiencing homelessness, to help establish treatment, and to find permanent housing.
An Outreach Specialist Level 1 is an entry level position on the outreach services team. A Specialist Level 1 participates in daily operations on their assigned teams, as well as supports the functions of HOT as a whole. The work schedule is a 10-hour shift, 4 days a week, including a variety of shifts. Schedule is set by management.
This position is represented by a union and is covered under the terms of the union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Hourly Rate
$29.06 / hour
Essential functions
Conduct outreach by assignment through the City and outlying neighborhoods to people experiencing homelessness.
Engage individuals and assess needs (eg. medical, mental health, substance use, shelter, food access, benefits, and other issues). Follow up with clients to support linkage, as needed.
Perform wellness checks, assess risk, provide support, and referrals for needed services. This may include crisis intervention, engaging emergency medical or mental health systems, or mandated reporting.
Advocate and collaborate with service providers to facilitate access to care with the goal of stabilization.
Respond to requests from city agencies (the Mayor's Office, Board of Supervisors, SFPD, SFFD, HSH), merchants, community groups, and citizen to help individuals found at-risk in places not meant for human habitation.
Work collaboratively as part of a dynamic and diverse team, which includes clear communication, flexibility, and humility.
Work in close collaboration with the DPH Medical Team (e.g. Street Medicine, Shelter Health, Behavioral Health) to link people experiencing homelessness to transitional primary care.
Maintain professional and positive relationships with other service providers, community groups, and the neighborhood.
Must demonstrate ability to work in any assigned districts/special project and work with clients of various backgrounds.
Must attend scheduled clinical and administrative supervision, to discuss client care, service delivery, and clinical and professional development.
Use assigned communication devices to appropriately and professionally communicate with team members and other service providers.
Use web-based technologies to look up information and collateral data relevant to service delivery (e.g. One System, Replicon, Outlook, Zoho Shifts).
Maintain timely and accurate documentation according to program requirements.
Use company provided vehicles to transport and visit clients in an appropriate and professional manner. Maintain a clean driving record.
Adhere to the professional ethics as well as established policies and procedures.
Complete in-person and virtual trainings on time and attend all mandatory meetings.
Must comply with uniform policy while conducting outreach in the field.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Target experience
Direct experience working in a professional, volunteer, or other relevant capacity with people experiencing homelessness or individuals with complex medical and/or behavioral health concerns.
All areas of study meet qualifications. The following majors are preferred
Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Public Policy, Public Health, or a related field.
1. High School degree or equivalent plus 2 years or more with TARGET EXPERIENCE, or 2. Specialty Certificate related to the populations served (e.g., Community Health Worker, Medical Assistant, Drug and Alcohol/CADAC, Peer Counselor) and 1 year with TARGET EXPERIENCE; or 3. AA/AS degree,
AND
1.
Valid California driver's license.
Driver must be 21+ with none of the following in the past 3 years: any 2-point convictions; or more than (2) moving violations; or more than (1) moving violation and (1) at-fault or a passenger handling accident.
2.
Basic knowledge of the client population and their complex needs including homelessness, financial instability, medical and mental health, and substance abuse.
3.
Ability to work well with diverse staff and clientele including cultural, language, sexual identity, gender, and other diversity considerations within all neighborhoods in San Francisco.
4.
Ability to work successfully both independently and cooperatively.
5.
Ability to speak, read, and write clearly in English.
6.
Basic level competency using the Internet, Outlook email, and Microsoft Word computer applications as well as ability and willingness to learn necessary programs needed for everyday job function.
7.
Ability to use computers/internet to look up information and enter relevant notes.
8.
CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Speak languages other than English 2. Previous experience or training in street outreach and case management. 3. Knowledge of San Francisco neighborhoods and community resources. 4. Knowledge of the San Francisco Health Provider network. 5. Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures.
Physical demands
1. Must be in good physical condition and capable of performing job duties requiring frequent use of the entire body including ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit, drive for extended periods of time, exit and enter vehicles throughout your work shift. 2. Ability to use a computer, phone or office equipment for extended periods of time. 3. Ability to successfully and efficiently complete tasks in an environment where background noise is present, and interruptions may be constant. 4. Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs. 5. With instruction, the ability to assist persons with disabilities and to help transfer a 180 lb. person and lift wheelchair in and out of a car or van.
Stand Constantly
Walk Constantly
Sit Frequently
Handling/Fingering Constantly
Reach Outward Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bed Occasionally
Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
Push / Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs.
Talk / Hear Constantly
See Constantly
Taste / Smell Not Applicable
Frequency Key
Not Applicable - Not required for essential functions
Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs./day)
Frequently (2 - 5 hrs./day)
Constantly (5 + hrs./day)
Work environment
Travel outside to various locations and on occasion, general office setting, indoors temperature controlled.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Essential job duties are intended to describe those functions that are primary to the performance of this job. Other job duties include those that are considered secondary to the overall purpose of this position.
This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor and management.
HELUNA HEALTH reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.
All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
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.
