Outreach Specialist - Street Homeless Populations

Job Title: Street Outreach Specialist

Department: Street-to-Home Program

Location: Hybrid (Office & Fieldwork) – Bethesda, MD Area

Reports To: Street Outreach Program Manager

Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $ 55,000-$58,000

Are you passionate about supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and making a direct impact on their journey to stability?

Bethesda Cares is looking for a dedicated and results-oriented Outreach Specialist responsible for implementing housing-focused outreach methods to assist populations experiencing homelessness. As a housing-focused outreach program, all engagement is intended to build trusting relationships and confidence with clients to raise their level of care beyond homelessness. The primary hours for this position are 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday. However, the duties and activities associated with street outreach engagements will require flexible schedules in the early morning, late nights, and weekend hours to contact persons who are street homeless. You will be responsible for driving positive outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness while fostering a skilled and cohesive team. This will involve performing various duties either personally or through subordinate supervisors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identifying and engaging persons experiencing homelessness as defined by HUD criteria - person living in a place not meant for human habitation. Particular attention to be paid to those who may not independently seek services.
• Assessing the individual’s safety, immediate needs, and level of functioning.
• Persons identified as chronic homeless should be evaluated for evidence-based permanent supportive housing referral and placement.
• Maintaining and interacting in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional demeanor in keeping with Social Work ethics and standards.
• Working intensively in one-on-one relationships with clients to provide support, engagement, and referral.
• Utilizing Bethesda Cares platforms for engagement such as street outreach, participating in street counts, meal program, and drop-in lobby services. Being thoroughly familiar with the practices guiding the work of Bethesda Cares housing-focused outreach.
• Maintaining records in HMIS – Homeless Management Information System, including demographics, summary notes, transactions, and assessments in timely manner.
• Coordinating and collaborating with other homeless services providers and community resources to facilitate access to the appropriate resource, including basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, and laundry), housing assistance, substance abuse education and treatment, legal assistance and health information.
• Attending regular training sessions to enhance best-practice knowledge in the field of homelessness, Housing First, and permanent supportive housing resources.
• Supervision for Social Work licensure is available.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a related field is preferred.
• Working knowledge of social service delivery systems' theories, principles, techniques, and practices.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or equivalent certification is preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required, as well as proof of auto insurance.
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Other Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Housing First, a client-centered approach.
• Proficiency in managing data systems such as HMIS and other relevant databases.
• Knowledge of community resources available to vulnerable populations. Familiarity with program management procedures, reporting requirements, and administrative tasks related to social service programs.

Work Environment:

The role involves a blend of office-based work and fieldwork, with frequent travel to Bethesda Cares sites, shelters, encampments, and other community outreach locations across Montgomery County, MD, and the Washington, DC area. Fieldwork includes engaging directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, conducting assessments, and collaborating with local service providers. The work environment in the office is moderately noisy, supporting focused tasks and team discussions.

The role is roughly split 75%/25% between on-site and remote work, providing a balance of flexibility and hands-on interaction. Availability for some evenings and weekends will be required to meet operational needs or respond to urgent client situations. Remote work arrangements are subject to change, and in-person training or learning opportunities may be required post-hire at the supervisor's discretion.

Bethesda Cares is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy workplace and encourages and supports a strong vaccine culture. Compliance with vaccination policies and adherence to public health guidelines is integral to ensuring the well-being of our staff, clients, and community.

Why Bethesda Cares?

Our office is located in the vibrant downtown Bethesda area, a bustling hub full of energy, culture, and opportunity. With easy access via Metro (Red Line) or bus, commuting is a breeze, whether you're local or coming from the greater Washington, D.C. area. Spend your breaks exploring local eateries, coffee shops, and the walkable streets filled with charm.

Plus, this hybrid role gives you the flexibility to balance time between our welcoming office, remote work, and engaging fieldwork in Montgomery County.

Application Process:

Please submit your resume to jobs@bethesdacares.org. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Bethesda Cares is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

• Health Benefits + Vision + Dental
• 401K Benefits + Employer Matching
• Parking and Mileage
• Laptop, Home Internet Stipend, and Work Cell Provided (Majority of work is in the filed. Some work can be performed remotely)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short Term Disability Benefits
• Continuing Education and Profesisonal Development Reimbursement
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Supervision for Social Work Licensure

Spanish