Street Outreach Housing Specialist

Description

Come join the amazing Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties team!

We are a private non-profit committed to doing all we can in the fight against poverty. Our legacy goes back to the 1960's and we manage over 70 programs designed to help those who need it most. 

You'll join a team of talented and passionate people who are motivated to make our community as strong and resilient as possible.

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Street Outreach Housing Specialist works directly with unsheltered participants, guiding them through the Coordinated Entry System process. The primary goal of the Street Outreach Housing Specialist is assisting the participants in securing permanent housing or shelter, while improving health and safety outcomes. The Street Outreach Housing Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day assistance of its participants as well as keeping all HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) Data up to date for the program. The Street Outreach Housing Specialist is also responsible for ensuring that all persons who are unsheltered gain access to appropriate shelter and other necessary services through aggressive outreach and intervention. This includes but is not limited to Permanent housing, Shelter, SUD Treatment and Harm Reduction services, healthcare, mental health, and employment.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Document activities for households who engage in or apply for Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Rapid Re-Housing, and/or Homelessness Prevention services according to HUD guidelines.
• Conduct street outreach activities, in accordance with 24 CFR Part 576.101, in order to meet the needs of unsheltered homeless individuals by connecting them with emergency shelter, housing, and/or critical health services.
• Identifies clients who are unsheltered homeless via direct Street Outreach activities and through reports from police, shelters, soup kitchens, human service providers, churches, and others.
• Initiates contact and establishes working relationships with the unsheltered persons who live in abandoned buildings, parking garages, public buildings, tent sites, shanties, parks and under bridges for the purpose of attainment of adequate shelter and access to needed services. Continues working with unsheltered homeless until they are sheltered.
• Assists shelter providers in arranging alternative shelter for homeless individuals/families being turned away due to capacity or criteria problems.
• Assesses the immediacy of need and type of appropriate intervention specific to Unsheltered individuals / families considering factors such as weather, physical condition/appearance, indicators of emotional / mental stability, indicators of substance abuse, and willingness to accept help.
• Assists Unsheltered individuals/families in identifying immediate needs and responsible for determining eligibility of program for participant.
• Arranges transportation for unsheltered participants to the nearest appropriate shelter site. 
• Arranges for assessment through a substance use disorder treatment program, in the case of known or suspected substance abuse/mental health problems, or if there is an indication of danger to self or others, arranges for assessment through the Mental Health Center Mobile Crisis Unit. 
• Arranges transportation to local emergency room or clinic in cases involving medical/physical emergency. 
• Works with participants through the applications process, retrieving all required paperwork, and documentation for each program. 
• Responsible for keeping the case files for all participants up to date and accurate. 
• Maintains knowledge of federal, state and agency policies and procedures for effective implementation of program goals and objectives, including HMIS requirements.
• Keeps accurate intake and service records per requirements of Director and to the Statewide Project Coordinator. Maintains accurate, up-to-date activity log and provides to Director and Statewide Project Coordinator as needed. 
• Gathers and reports inventory information concerning providers, types, and availability of homeless services, especially those not receiving funding through the NH Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services.
• Completes daily, weekly, and monthly client work plans for client files and reporting requirements as necessary. Assists in completing HMIS requirements.
• Maintains knowledge of federal, state and agency policies and procedures for effective implementation of program goals and objectives, including HMIS requirements. 
• Attends appropriate training and workshops that are beneficial to the mission of the program.

CAPBM FULL TIME BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off – Earn up to four weeks in your first year
• Paid Holidays – 12 per year
• Health Insurance (with Free Dental and Vision)
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Health Insurance Buyout
• Voluntary Dental Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & DCA)
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary 403(b) with 5% Employer Match After One Year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Requirements

 Experience:

• Two years of professional or personal experience with homelessness, mental illness, drug/alcohol abuse, or developmental disabilities.
• Strong desire to assist others in helping themselves. 
• Analytical and problem-solving techniques.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Knowledge of local human service agencies and programs.
• Must successfully complete non-violent crisis prevention and intervention training. 

Education:

• Associate’s degree in human services. Education requirement may be substituted with related education and one additional year of relevant experience; to be determined by Director of Strategy & Planning.
• Education and/or training relating to human services such as counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, information and referral, or similar activities.

License/Certification:

• Successful completion of criminal record check.
• Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation for required travel.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $100,000 - $300,000