Housing Outreach Specialist

About the role

We serve our most vulnerable neighbors by removing the barriers that have prevented them from maintaining stable housing, health, and wellness. We meet people where they are and treat them with dignity and respect. We support them through their unique challenges and traumas resulting from homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We give them support even when they don't know they need it. This work can be hard, but the impact is real.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Housing Outreach Coordinator and team to provide housing-focused outreach and engagement services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Use trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based practices to build trusting relationships, identify immediate needs, support safety and stabilization, and facilitate connections to housing resources and mainstream benefits.
• Collaborate with Continuum of Care (CoC) partners, coordinated entry systems, healthcare providers, landlords, and community organizations to promote housing stability and improve outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, counseling, or related field and one or more years of experience providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, or disabilities; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with homelessness response systems, coordinated entry, and housing programs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Knowledge of community resources, benefits systems, and mainstream service networks.
• Experience with HMIS or other electronic documentation systems, plus solid computer and mobile technology skills.
• Valid Virginia Driver's license and reliable transportation, and ability to safely conduct field-based outreach in varying environments and weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification (preferred).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans starting after one month of employment.
• Short-term/long-term disability and life insurance at no cost, plus voluntary life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
• 403b retirement plan with a company match.
• Generous PTO plan including vacation, sick, and personal days, plus 13 paid holidays.

SupportWorks conducts pre-employment drug testing, criminal background, and reference checks on all applicants hired.