Mobile Homeless Outreach Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Identify unsheltered homeless individuals in the Malden, Medford, Everett and Chelsea areas through direct street outreach activities and community referrals.
• Work collaboratively with the Mobile Homeless Outreach Coordinator to conduct outreach in the community, focusing on those who are most vulnerable.
• Complete a Vulnerability assessment tool to determine vulnerability and acuity of individuals during street outreach as well as other outreach and referral processes.
• Aid the homeless in accessing resources and make referrals for additional support services, continuing to engage with the unsheltered homeless until shelter or permanent housing is obtained.
• Provide advocacy for homeless when they encounter barriers.
• Collaborate with other agencies in the region to provide team outreach services.
• Maintain complete client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, neighbor-related data tracking systems and other reports as directed.
• Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, police (and other local officials), and providers of services and resources to homeless.
• Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with 12 months of social services experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or related field preferred.
• Bilingual skill in Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.
• Experience working directly with the chronically homeless strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated basic understanding of severe mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues and symptoms.
• Ability to listen with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and points of view, and demonstrate tact and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases effectively and efficiently and be able to adapt well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.
• Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to work outside of normal business hours, particularly with flexible evening hours.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van to outreach events and occasionally transport clients to services.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions for periods of time.