CORE Outreach Specialist (Richmond/San Pablo)

The Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) program is a public/private partnership with Contra Costa Health Services, Health, Housing and Homeless Services and Heluna Health. The Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (CORE) program works collaboratively in small teams to engage and stabilize homeless individuals living outside to identify plans to end their homelessness permanently. The CORE Outreach Specialist is responsible for street outreach efforts in Contra Costa County which include building trust with individuals and families that are not being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems. The Outreach Specialist works collaboratively to locate, engage, stabilize and house chronically homeless individuals and families. The CORE Outreach Specialist plays a key role among a multidisciplinary team which serves to support and stabilize individuals moving from street to service.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date.

Salary:  $17.31-$20.19

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct mobile and street outreach throughout Contra Costa County. Contract teams work in collaboration with the liaisons, contractors may require fluctuating hours, for the purpose of engaging homeless individuals into services.
• Respond to dispatches from contractors and community for contracted locations. Check in daily with contracts/dispatch at beginning and end of shift and on-site personnel when possible to mitigate issues within the community involving the homeless.
• Work in close collaboration with the community or contracting authority to ensure clients are connected to services requested; provides transportation when needed.
• Respond to requests from service agencies, businesses, community groups, and citizens to engage with individuals who need assistance.
• Work in close collaboration with the Health Care for the Homeless Program medical staff to engage homeless individuals
• Support the CORE Lead Outreach Worker and perform Lead duties when Lead is absent.
• Provide guidance to team members, including communicating team goals and identifying areas for new training needed. (safety/paperwork/approach/de-escalation etc.)
• Build trust with and assess the needs of unsheltered homeless persons encountered during outreach efforts; make initial contact and develop rapport with homeless adults, youth and families.
• Distribute survival supplies including but not limited to food, hygiene supplies, blankets, and socks.
• Administer intakes, housing assessments and other forms documentation as needed.
• Review and understand program data, as it pertains to reporting out with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Assist homeless individuals with completing applications for services, transporting them to shelters, services, and other points as needed.
• Collaborate with Coordinated Entry programs and other County services to place homeless individuals in housing and enroll them into services.
• Provide targeted outreach to individuals who frequent emergency services but are not connected to stable housing and health services.
• Must be able to work in the community and meet homeless consumers where they are, which includes but not limited to the woods, under bridges, and in abandoned houses.
• Provide necessary referrals and information for temporary housing and community resources.
• Provide program materials to community partners around shelter services (outreach to motels, churches, merchants).
• Maintain and interact in a culturally sensitive, respectful, and professional demeanor.
• Attend and participate in weekly case conferences as part of the county-wide CORE outreach program.
• Attend community meetings with other service providers to share program information and coordinate services.
• Comply with all policies and procedures guiding the work of this position and the department overall.
• Attend training and meetings as required.
• All other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA/AS degree in Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field; OR
• High School degree or equivalent plus a minimum 2-year direct experience working in a professional capacity with homeless, behavioral health or medically complex populations.
• Knowledge of the client population and their complex needs including homelessness, financial instability, medical and psychiatric illnesses, and substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS.

• Ability to work well with diverse staff, stigmatized communities and clientele including cultural, language, sexual identity, gender and other diversity considerations within all neighborhoods in Contra Costa.
• Ability to work successfully both independently and cooperatively.
• Professional level competency using Internet, email, and Microsoft Word computer applications.
• Ability to use computers/internet to look up information and enter relevant notes.
• CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• With instruction, the ability to assist persons with disabilities and to help transfer a 180lb person and lift wheel chair in and out of a car or van.
• Ability to use a computer, phone or office equipment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to successfully and efficiently complete tasks in an environment where background noise is present and interruptions may be constant.
• Ability to work fluctuating hours which may include day, swing or graveyard shifts.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license due to driving County vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual, bicultural in Spanish.
• Previous experience or training in street outreach and case management.
• Knowledge of Contra Costa County and community resources.
• Knowledge of the Contra Costa emergency provider network.
• Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Stand                                       Frequently

Walk                                        Constantly

Sit                                            Frequently

Handling / Fingering               Frequently

Reach Outward                        Frequently

Reach Above Shoulder             Frequently

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend      Frequently

Lift / Carry                              Occasionally – Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull                                Occasionally – Up to 50 lbs

See                                           Constantly

Taste/ Smell                            Not Applicable

Not Applicable           Not required for essential functions

Occasionally                (0 – 2 hrs/day)

Frequently                  (2 – 5 hrs/day)

Constantly                   (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Various environments depending on job necessities can include, but not limited to: General Office Setting, Homeless Shelter, field work within Contra Costa County, frequently walking on uneven ground for long distances.

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

Experience

Required

• 2 year(s): direct experience working in a professional capacity with homeless, behavioral health or medically complex populations.

Education

Required

• High School or better

Preferred

• Associates or better in Human Services or related field

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)