Homeless Services Specialist I

Homeless Services Specialist - Transitions In-Reach Specialist

As a member of the Transitions team, the Homeless Services Specialist - Transitions In-Reach Specialist - will assist in providing basic hygiene needs and supportive services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The In-Reach Specialist will conduct intake and vulnerability assessments, housing stability planning, crisis mitigation, and service coordination. The In-Reach Specialist will enhance our ability to provide consistent, persistent, and ongoing engagement services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and utilizing Day Services. The goal is to ensure persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness access hygienic services and housing-focused case management that will help them move from homelessness to housing.

Representative Work Functions and Responsibilities:

• Assist in providing hygiene and clothing assistance
• Conduct face-to-face intake interviews and collect information to determine current needs and make referrals as appropriate
• Establish rapport with participants seeking Day Services
• Advocate on behalf of clients
• Document client service information in the Homeless Management Information System
• Use the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) to assess clients' needs and vulnerabilities
• Encourage clients to obtain appropriate services to get their needs met
• Link clients to necessary services, treatments, and support systems
• Drive a city vehicle to transport clients to lease signings
• May be required to work non-traditional hours, including weekends and nighttime shifts.

Preferences:

• Experience working in a day services environment serving vulnerable populations using a trauma-informed care approach
• Experience engaging and building positive rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Experience assessing clients/needs and determining eligibility for federal, state, and local programs
• Experience with diverse populations, including homeless individuals, different races/ethnicities, LGBTQ+, veterans, youth, elderly, and people with disabilities
• Case management experience
• Experience de-escalating and managing clients in crisis
• Experience connecting clients to appropriate resources

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental, and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays, and leave.