Homeless Outreach Specialist Jobs

5,137.00 - 6,950.00Under the direction of the City Manager’s Office, operate as a member of the City’s Homeless Assistance and Resource Team (HART) to address homeless issues within the City of Vancouver by collaborating with City departments and non-profits to connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness with supportive resources, and to address the impacts of homelessness on public and private property throughout the city. The Homeless Outreach Specialist will work in the field with community members experiencing homelessness.
This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position.

• Monitor areas where encampments commonly reoccur and respond to community member requests for outreach to identified encampments and/or vehicles/RVs that are reported online, on the My Vancouver app, by phone or email.
• Maintain program records in accordance with grant requirements, and other applicable standards and regulations; may complete demographic logs, statistical information, complete housing assessments, and map homeless encampments
• Build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness; work with individuals to identify barriers preventing participation in services and a means to overcome those barriers; provide assistance/support encouraging utilization of community services.
• In conjunction with other HART members, evaluate condition of encampments to address immediate health and safety concerns, and report clean-up/sanitation needs.
• Prepare and conduct presentations to community groups, boards, commissions and councils to gain support and cooperation for program initiatives and efforts. Consult and coordinate with service providers and the community to facilitate and implement innovative responses to homelessness.
• Research community resources and participate in Homeless Crisis Response System coordination/collaboration meetings

• Equivalent to a Associate's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Two (2) years of experience in a related field working with people experiencing homelessness. Experience as a team leader or supervisor is required.

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

• Possession of a current/valid driver’s license

• Ability to work in difficult field setting with a variety of staff and constituents
• Demonstrated high-level proficiency to write technical reports and speak to a wide variety of audiences
• Comprehensive understanding and practices to connect un-housed individuals with appropriate non-profit and community organizations.
• Use of personal computers and basic software
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Possess good organizational and time-management skills, demonstrate good judgment, excellent problem-solving abilities and always maintain a professional demeanor.
• Comprehensive understanding of the complexity of causes of homelessness
• Comprehensive understanding of working with field crews in a variety of settings.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of local Homeless Crisis Response System, other supportive services/resources, and how to access them.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

• Comprehensive understanding of the complexity of causes of homelessness
• Use of personal computers and basic software
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Demonstrated high-level proficiency to write technical reports and speak to a wide variety of audiences
• Comprehensive understanding of working with field crews in a variety of settings.
• Ability to work in difficult field setting with a variety of staff and constituents
• Comprehensive understanding and practices to connect un-housed individuals with appropriate non-profit and community organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Possess good organizational and time-management skills, demonstrate good judgment, excellent problem-solving abilities and always maintain a professional demeanor.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of local Homeless Crisis Response System, other supportive services/resources, and how to access them.

May 3, 2023