Outreach Specialist - Street Homeless Populations

The Outreach Specialist is a member of the Bethesda Cares Outreach team 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.

Position duties and responsibilities include:

• Identifying and engaging persons experiencing homelessness as defined by HUD criteria -

persons 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.
• Spanish speaking candidates preferred.

All other duties as assigned.