Outreach and Referral Specialist

Hiring Salary Range: $51,850.00 - $68,800.00 Work with individuals and/or families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Identify and assist with referrals to services for individuals and families requiring assistance from social service agencies. Work involves the performance of a variety of non-hazardous/non-enforcement field work and office duties. Exercise independent judgment in evaluating information and initiating program action and prepare records in accordance with department and program rules and practices. Work is performed under the supervision of the Department Director or Designee.Perform initial comprehensive assessment of clients and develop a plan that addresses needs for housing and services, making referrals to the appropriate federal, state and or local agencies as necessary. Build strong community relationships through outreach to community, business owners, realtors, landlords and other service providers to identify new and existing opportunities to better assist clients in accessing resources, employment, supportive services and housing opportunities. Conduct on-going research for additional sources and maintains on-going evaluation of the services. Assist with identifying housing options for clients and help them complete housing applications as needed. Collect and maintain information on various governmental and social service agencies. Respond to community requests for street outreach intervention. Mediate disputes between client and landlords when appropriate. Actively participate in collaborative community meetings, staff meetings, workshops and conferences. Compile records and prepare reports. Operate and maintain databases to track client information. Performs other duties as assigned.Bachelor's degree or equivalent in college credits with major course work in Social Work, Business, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or Psychology and a minimum of two years working with public. Experience working in social services or law enforcement a plus. Relevant commensurate experience may be substituted for the minimum education requirement. LICENSES/CERTIFICATES Must possess and maintain a valid Florida operator's driver's license with an acceptable driving record.Knowledge of current and emerging social casework theory and practice Knowledge of interviewing techniques Knowledge of community health, welfare and other resources Knowledge of community outreach Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with clients, staff, personnel in other community agencies, other employees, and general public Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing Ability to maintain required records, prepare correspondence and reports Ability to work independently and maintain confidential records and information. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS In the course of performing the job, this position spends time sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, driving, carrying or lifting up to 25 lbs. Operating a computer keyboard, makes and receives phone calls, use of general office equipment, copier, fax machine, etc. Subjected to outside environmental conditions. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Not applicable ASSIGNED CITY VEHICLE: Yes. This is not a take home vehicle, for department use only. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed with circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush job, or technological developments).