Homeless Outreach Specialist

The DHS Homeless Outreach Specialist is a part of a larger Homeless Services Team at Pathways to Housing DC.  The Homeless Services Team includes multiple street outreach teams whose goals are to engage, support, individuals experiencing homelessness. Our outreach staff works to build trust by helping clients meet some of their basic needs (including food, clothing, showers, laundry, transportation, identification, benefits etc.). Then, we partner with each individual to access housing, employment, medical care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and other services.

The Homeless Services Team also responds to concerns about people experiencing homelessness in the area from, city government,  other social service providers, business owners, workers, residents, and visitors.  When medical or psychiatric crises occur, The Homeless Services Team intervenes when appropriate and follows up to ensure seamless medical or psychiatric care.

The DHS Homeless Outreach Specialist is responsible for implementing a comprehensive homeless outreach strategy for the individuals living on the streets in our targeted outreach cluster. They provide direct outreach services to people experiencing homelessness. 

Approximately 75% of the time will be spent in the community, directly providing services to persons living on the street and in homeless encampments. While much of the work is independent and self-directed, there is also a strong team dynamic. Shift schedules include hours between 8:30am-9 pm (8:30am-11pm during hypothermia season), Monday through Friday. Successful candidates are committed to a housing first approach, ending homelessness and have a fundamental belief that hope and recovery are always possible.

Please note: This is a highly competitive role. A video phone screen is required to move forward with your application. Please do not submit for consideration if you do not intend to complete the next step prior to the in-person interview.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Identify and engage individuals in need of services, assess needs, and work with a core “caseload" of up to 25 clients consistently over time to create a plan to meet needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services;

• Determine overall needs of those experiencing homelessness in the street and  in encampments in order to strategically manage time and resources;

• Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation and provide a consistent presence; offer clothing, hygiene articles, and other basic items;

• Coordinate within a larger continuum of care and address barriers and complex needs of multiple individuals;

• Assist individuals in applying for mainstream benefits, including Medicaid, food security applications, and Social Security disability;

• Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services;

• Provide in-person assistance, including escorts, and facilitate smooth transitions (“warm handoffs”) to other service and housing providers;

• Advocate with other agencies for individuals to receive necessary services and housing;

• Participate in crisis intervention and screening for specific illnesses; 

• Respond promptly to crises and to calls from involving concerns about homeless persons in need of assistance; 

• Maintain records in Electronic Medical Records, including progress notes, incident reports, referrals, and psychosocial assessments in a timely manner; 

• Perform related work as assigned; 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred 

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field required;

• Excellent communication, writing, database management,  and computer skills; 

• 1-2 years Experience working in homeless outreach or providing direct services to persons experiencing homelessness preferred;  

• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction theory/applications preferred; 

• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical skills preferred;

• Driver’s License preferred.