The SVDP Outreach Specialist is responsible for canvasing their assigned areas for homeless individuals and subsequently engaging and triaging these people to quickly connect them with a range of community services in collaboration with the Central Coordinated Access Network (CAN) outreach team. Flexibility with work schedule is required to ensure clients are supported to the greatest extent possible. Engaging in Resource Center meetings and other network and community meetings as needed to share ideas and continue learning. The SVDP Outreach Specialist is key to a team approach and commitment to ending homelessness in our community working from a Housing First, Harm Reduction, Person Centered approach.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Canvas, conduct face to face interactions, engage and triage those people experiencing homelessness that are disengaged from community service to quickly connect them with a range of community services in collaboration with the Central CAN (Berlin, Bristol, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington) outreach team.
- Work with households to collect all personal identification and documentation, income verification, homelessness verification to include obtaining third party verification as required and disability verification, when applicable, and upload them into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Ensure all clients are added to the By Name List (BNL) and work on developing a Housing Service Plan.
- Support clients in obtaining income through workforce development referrals, or connection to a Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) specialist,
- Conduct CAN assessments and provide ongoing case management services, including connection to mainstream benefits, behavioral health services (mental health and addiction recovery programs), medical appointments, employment resources and other identified needs such as arranging childcare, applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), budgeting and transportation.
- Support clients with identifying and exploring housing options as well as with assisting them through the lease signing, tenant rights and responsibilities, and understanding of lease compliance.
- Refer clients to local drop-in centers to ensure they receive basic services, are connected to resources, and coordinate placement in emergency shelters based on prioritization and vulnerability.
- Enter program enrollment, assessment, case notes by completing the case note template and all required documentation properly into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Smartsheet's, when applicable, within the required timeline of 48 hours of activity to maintain timely input of all data.
- Attend and participate in mandatory training, staff meetings and Central CAN meetings such as the Outreach Meetings, CAN Entry Meetings, as well as Housing Solutions Meetings to support prioritization and access of participants into services. o Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with partner agencies.
- Collaborate with community partners and local agencies, organizations, and businesses to share the resources available and gain new connections to resources,
- Delivers services using principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care.
- Continually promotes self-determination and self-sufficiency in interactions with clients.
- Maintains strong working relationships with community partners and volunteers.
- Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to resolve an individual's or family's immediate housing crisis.
- Attend and participate in all mandatory staff meetings, CAN meetings and trainings.
- Follow all SVDP service philosophies, policies, and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism in role.
- Work effectively with persons who have diverse styles, abilities, motivations, and backgrounds.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
- Multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
- General knowledge of mental health and substance abuse required.
- Excellent computer and other office equipment skills.
- Ability to adapt to change productively
- Bilingual preferred.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Education and Experience:
- Associate’s degree in related field preferred, Bachelor's Degree a plus.
- Minimum two years homelessness services and outreach experience preferred.
We encourage and invite diversity throughout the organization. We want all employees, at all levels, from every category including non-employees such as volunteers, Board members and contractors to treat others with respect and professionalism. In practice as we execute our mission, we work towards consistency, reliability, and open communication.
