POSITION: Outreach Specialist

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Hourly/Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $18-$20/hour

LOCATION: Tulsa, OK

OVERVIEW

Housing Solutions seeks motivated professionals who want to use their talents and skills to make a difference. Our staff are flexible and passionate about enriching people's lives. If you are mission-driven, dedicated to superior service and support, and diligently work independently and in a collaborative environment, join our team. HS is leading the fight to end homelessness in Tulsa County. Here, not only would your work have a real impact on the community, but we also offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. As the lead agency in the HUD-funded Tulsa County Continuum of Care, we coordinate and manage over $3 million annually in federal, state, county, and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness. The ideal candidate will share Housing Solutions’ core mission values that housing is a basic human right, that system collaboration is key to ending homelessness, and that all individuals and families deserve resources and opportunities to end their homelessness.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Outreach Specialist is a key member of the Coordinated Outreach team that connects neighbors experiencing homelessness with services and housing, with a focus on people living in unsheltered situations. The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for outreaching encampments and high-traffic areas to perform assessments and facilitate housing placements and referrals consistent with the local Coordinated Entry System (CES).

This position will work collaboratively with internal and external teams to secure safe, suitable housing and supportive services for neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The Outreach Specialist will be mobile and will meet with clients, partner agency representatives, and housing providers approximately 80% of the time (with mileage reimbursement) and attend various meetings on-site 20% of the time.

The Outreach Specialist reports to the Director of Outreach & Engagement, and is supported by the Outreach Team Lead.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Outreach & Engagement to conduct housing focused street outreach to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the Tulsa City-County area. Outreach will occur in “hot spot” areas.

• Assist clients and other individuals experiencing homelessness with accessing resources and making referrals; continue to engage with clients until shelter or permanent housing is obtained.

• Provide advocacy for clients when they encounter barriers.

• Work with clients to establish documentation required to access housing services, such as ID, social security card, and income verification.

• Assist in identifying appropriate housing and completing housing applications.

• Maintain complete client records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

• Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with shelter programs, mental health programs, police and other local officials, and community service providers.

• Attend team meetings, Case Conferencing, training workshops, and community meetings as needed.

• Be familiar with the overall performance goals of CES and the Outreach Specialist role and how to fully utilize the CES.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Exhibits demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Listens with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and points of view; demonstrates tact and courtesy in expressing options or ideas, and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.

• Is proficient with computers and related technology; must maintain accurate records in a timely manner.

• Maintains a non-judgmental attitude and a display of unconditional positive regard, is caring and compassionate.

• Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.

• Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills.

• Has the ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively while maintaining sound judgment.

• Adapts well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.

• Exercises good judgment and discretion in handling client confidentiality and other confidential matters.

• Deep knowledge of local social services and community resources.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Able to work with and be sensitive to the needs of diverse, systemically disadvantaged populations and support Housing Solution’s commitment to building equitable systems of care.

• Able to work flexible hours: may require overtime in events of inclement weather, when involved in special projects such as public meetings, or community outreach meetings. Hours worked beyond 40 hours per week may be paid overtime or adjusted in your schedule for time off later in the pay period.

• Possesses a valid Oklahoma driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working environment is primarily outdoors and in the community. It will require significant time working with clients, service providers, and partner agencies outside of the office. Employees are provided a cell phone stipend and are reimbursed for mileage.

This is a non-exempt, full-time position working 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Some evening and weekend hours may occur for external meetings/community response, and the work schedule will be flexed around those events to maintain a 40-hour work week.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Most of the activity will be conducted in the community, in encampments, and on the streets; this could also include performing activities in other offices, in libraries, or other community-based settings. This employee must be able to navigate across uneven terrain like an encampment, where they will be exposed to outside weather conditions.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Housing Solutions is an inclusive employer and does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected classes. We celebrate diversity and strive to reflect the community in which we work, to better serve our clients. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse applicants, including those who have peer-experiences related to the populations that we serve. Housing Solutions is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and commits to taking appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to access employment opportunities and benefit equally from employment related opportunities by providing reasonable accommodation. Should applicants need reasonable arrangements to facilitate their interview and assessment during the recruitment and selection process, please submit your request in your application.