Outreach Specialist

Overview

Valley Healthcare System, Inc. (VHcS), formerly Community Health Center of South Columbus, serves the Chattahoochee Valley and surrounding regions since 1994. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, outreach, and pharmacy services. We are patient-centered and team-based, recognizing that our people are the foundation of our success.

Under the direction and guidance of the Outreach Team Leader, this position is responsible for assisting clients experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. The Outreach Specialist will identify clients, assist them with accessing permanent housing and completing move-in activities, and provide stabilization services (case management) to all clients, with the extent of assistance varying according to the client’s needs.

Through outreach and wrap-around services, the Outreach Specialist will meet the needs of clients experiencing homelessness by:

• Implementing best practices in client-centered outreach and case management through trauma-informed and harm-reduction protocols.
• Outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness who are not already being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems.
• Encouraging clients to accept placement and opportunities to stabilize their lives.
• Collaborating with other homeless services providers and community resources to facilitate access to the Continuum of Care services, including basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, and laundry), housing assistance, substance abuse education and treatment, legal assistance, and health information.
• Assisting with the assessment of potential program participants as referred by the Coordinated Entry System to the Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs.
• Recruit private landlords to rent to clients.
• Collaborate with local housing authorities, VA supportive housing programs, and other homeless service providers to maximize opportunities for all clients.
• Assist clients to develop and/or complete an Individualized Service Plan, including goals and concrete steps to ensure housing stability while addressing employment/income, money management strategies, and any other identified service needs; provide a list of safe, affordable housing resources; determine needs around utility deposits, furniture moving, etc.; and coordinate move-in activities to secure needed household items.
• Provide advocacy and negotiation with landlords/rental managers to facilitate tenant acceptance.
• Provide and/or coordinate activities to ensure clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
• Teach clients steps and communication tools to advocate for themselves in seeking and maintaining housing (including advocating for eligible benefits).
• Refer the client to other community resources to achieve goals and follow up to ensure referrals are completed.
• Track and document client progress.
• Use Case Coordination meetings to share client progress and obtain support in working with high-barrier clients.
• Educate clients about the housing program, your role, and their role.
• Participate in meetings related to the job and outreach/clients.

The evaluation of work performance, including specific duties, responsibilities, demeanor, and work ethics, will be ongoing and implemented by the Outreach Team Lead.

• Minimum two years’ experience in human services and/or case management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational, conflict resolution and computer literacy.
• Proficient in the latest Microsoft Office Environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and HMIS (preferred).
• Prior experience and understanding of causes of homelessness; experience working with landlords, local rental markets, and/or housing sales.
• Knowledge of Housing First, fair housing practices, and VAWA.
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure a positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment,…