CORE – Relief Outreach Specialist (On Call) – Heluna Health – Concord, CA

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.

CORE teams work fluctuating hours

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct mobile and street outreach throughout Contra Costa County for the purpose of engaging homeless individuals into services.
• 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 intake questionnaires, assessments and other forms of tracking documentation as needed. 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.
• 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.
• Will be on call to provide relief for the CORE program.
• Assist and support the Hotline Counselors as needed
• 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 wheelchair 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.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license due to driving County vehicle.
• Must be able to access remote locations that may require traveling through rough terrain more than two miles in possible inclement weather conditions.

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

Outdoors, Inclement weather, rough walking paths, homeless encampments

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