Outreach Specialist (SSVF)

Insight Housing has provided housing, food, and support services for over 50 years, helping individuals move from homelessness to safe, affordable homes. We serve seven Bay Area counties and are dedicated to supportive and sustainable housing solutions.

About the Role

The Outreach Specialist supports the Roads Home program by engaging and building rapport with Veterans experiencing homelessness. The outreach team connects individuals with resources and services, assesses needs, and links participants to housing and case management assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provide street-based outreach to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in designated counties, including encampments, parks, shelters, treatment facilities, health clinics, hospitals, jails, and courts.
• Serve as a liaison between homeless individuals and the Roads Home team using active listening and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Monitor program enrollment and target outreach efforts to identify individuals with chronic health conditions or frequent medical needs.
• Conduct pre-screens to determine program eligibility and assist with assessments and intake.
• Link participants with community services for mental health, substance recovery, physical healthcare, housing, advocacy, food, and other needs.
• Foster collaborative relationships with other outreach teams and local agencies.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of services in the HMIS system while adhering to confidentiality and HIPAA standards.
• Drive agency or personal vehicle to field sites and other program locations, documenting mileage per agency procedures.
• Promote a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency health and safety practices.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Complete and submit timesheets accurately and on time.
• Work within Insight Housing’s Code of Conduct and perform other assigned tasks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid Training.
• Prior experience in direct support with Veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, or related social issues preferred.
• Customer service or street-based outreach experience considered.
• Individuals in recovery, formerly incarcerated, Veterans, or relatives of Veterans encouraged to apply.
• Comfortable conducting outreach in streets and homeless encampments.
• Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness with sensitivity to related issues.
• Lived or Veterans experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and computer use.
• Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) a plus.
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse staff and clients.
• Strong customer service, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain calm in stressful situations and work well under pressure.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team with a flexible attitude.
• Good interpersonal and crisis intervention skills.
• Must maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.

Special Requirements

• Must pass and maintain criminal records clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Regular use of hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Extensive walking in various terrains, including homeless encampments and uneven grounds; ability to climb stairs.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, and clear vision.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Free dental and vision insurance.
• 19 paid holidays, including 3 mental health days.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid training.
• 10-year anniversary sabbatical.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Professional Development Allowance.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Discounted pet insurance.
• Affordable health insurance, including a free healthcare option for employees.
• 50% employer-paid coverage for dependents (vision, dental, health).

Pay

$26/hour