Crisis Outreach & Housing Access Navigator

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in Orlando seeks a Crisis Outreach Specialist to identify homeless individuals, build rapport, and connect them to essential services and rapid housing options.

Under supervision, you will develop service plans, link clients to resources, and advocate for timely shelter exits into permanent housing while maintaining HMIS documentation. This is an hourly, full-time role requiring field and office work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent background with five years of experience in homelessness, poverty, housing, mental health, and human services.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Work in the community via outreach van 3–5 days a week, typically at different agencies and organizations.
• Perform program enrollment with new clients at initial community impact visit or phone call and complete Crisis Outreach Triage form and necessary data.
• Ensure clients are oriented to community outreach practices and protocols.
• Provide supportive services in a nonjudgmental manner.
• Provide information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy to assist clients in accessing services and resources.
• Assist clients with obtaining documents and services such as ID cards, birth certificates, and income benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI).
• Identify appropriate permanent housing options, including bridge housing, subsidized housing, Section 8, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable housing, and market-rate units.
• Maintain client-related data systems including case notes and HMIS entries.
• Prepare case-related reports including outcomes, successes, and challenges
• Generate client data for monthly reports.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of service objectives, outcomes, and other services per federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Complete follow-up and retention services with backup documentation in client files.
• Conduct outreach to community members, business owners, and service providers to identify new resources and build relationships to assist clients.
• Respond to community requests for outreach interventions.
• Participate in meetings and trainings.
• Network with agencies, churches, pantries, shelters, and local groups.
• Coordinate the intake process through effective referrals.
• Create a weekly supply list and complete supply run.
• Arrange transportation for guests as needed.
• Refer and coordinate weekly folios with hotel managers for timely payment of services.
• Coordinate with Housing Specialists to ensure timely shelter exits into housing.
• Monitor shelter length of stay and schedule case conferences as needed.
• Coordinate with Housing Stability Case Manager on exit planning and community transition.
• Collaborate with and support community providers through technical assistance, program support, and training.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Communication

Relationship building

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field

5 years experience in homelessness, poverty, housing, mental health, and human services

Tools

HMIS

Excel

MS Office

Job description

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in Orlando seeks a Crisis Outreach Specialist to identify homeless individuals, build rapport, and connect them to essential services and rapid housing options.

Under supervision, you will develop service plans, link clients to resources, and advocate for timely shelter exits into permanent housing while maintaining HMIS documentation. This is an hourly, full-time role requiring field and office work.