Community Outreach Specialist

Tri-County Human Services; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-County Human Services is hiring for a frontline outreach role focused on connecting homeless individuals to shelter, services, and housing. The position involves street outreach, intake, and coordination of referrals within Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years in a mental health or addictions setting, with strong communication and data-entry skills, and a valid FL driver license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 3–5 years in mental health or addictions treatment preferred.
• Personal or professional experience with homelessness is desirable.
• Knowledge of substance abuse and mental health treatment programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless.
• Connect clients to shelter, services, and housing resources.
• Conduct intake interviews and document information for case management.
• Coordinate referrals and access to public benefits and community resources.
• Enter data into Client Track and OATS within 2 business days.

Skills

Outreach

Case management

Communication

Multilingual

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree

3–5 years in mental health/addictions setting

Tools

Credible

Client Track

OATS

Job description

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Employees in this position perform a wide variety of duties related to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of clients. These employees are aware of available community resources, confidentiality, twelve-step recovery concepts, substance abuse rules and regulations, clinical record documentation requirements person served rights and function as a member of a treatment team. This position is designed to connect street and encampment homeless individuals to shelter, services, and housing. The target populations for this program are vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals who are living on the streets or in encampments throughout Tri-County staff will provide a consistent presence on the streets and other outdoor locations throughout the Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents. The goal of the program is to connect clients to services that will result in permanent housing.

In keeping with the mission and core values of Tri-County Human Services, all persons served, stakeholders, and fellow employees will be treated with dignity, respect, and shown sensitivity to their cultural diversity.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interviews, orients the person served, and collects information necessary to complete the intake process, including employability and stable housing recommendations.
• Under the supervision of the direct supervisor, the incumbent records in Credible individual case information, updates case files, and provides case status information to supervision to provide a complete record of services.
• Confers with supervisor and other team members at staff meetings, providing and/or receiving information as necessary to assure proper case management.
• Collects, maintains, and documents data related to specific reporting requirements of the assigned program, other special client programs, and intra-agency referrals, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Provides specific community liaison services as assigned by supervisor.
• Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless.
• Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, healthcare, mental health services, etc.
• Transport clients, in an agency vehicle, to a shelter or other appropriate destinations.
• Conduct assessments as appropriate to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency, and appropriate housing or service program referral and/or placement.
• Complete all appropriate data collection, and enter accordingly into Client Track and OATS systems within 2 business days.
• Assist clients with accessing public benefits and assistance as appropriate.
• Connect or refer clients to services provided at the various shelter service centers.
• Make timely and accurate decisions in emergency or crisis situations with awareness of the need for safety of all clients, staff, or volunteers involved.
• Provide street-based case management to the unhoused population.
• Provide access to emergency shelter, meals, showers, and laundry services to unsheltered homeless individuals.
• Participates in the annual Point in Time survey, which is required by HUD and coordinated by local homeless coalition.
• Performs other reasonable and related duties as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and, preferably, three to five years of experience in a mental health or addictions treatment setting.
• Having personal or professional experiences with homelessness.
• Requires basic knowledge of addictions treatment and/or mental health treatment program and supportive services.
• Requires general understanding of the causes, nature, and treatment of substance abuse and/or mental health programs.
• Knowledge of highly utilized locations in Polk, Hardee, or Highlands counties where homeless congregate and camp.
• Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments and high traffic areas)
• Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (usually in a backpack, up to 30 lbs.)
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless.
• Commitment to increasing the housing stability and self-sufficiency of the homeless.
• Strong verbal and written skills; knowledge of multiple languages is desirable.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds and professional rank.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of community resources and human services.
• Initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations.
• Good collaboration skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team.
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the internet.
• Valid FL driver license and legally required insurance.
• Reliable transportation.

This position requires a level 2 background screening: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Tri-County Human Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. M/F