Housing Outreach Specialist

Supportworks-Housing; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

Disability and life insurance

EAP

403b retirement plan with company‑wide

13 paid holidays

Job summary

SupportWorks Housing in Virginia seeks a Housing Outreach Specialist to provide housing-focused outreach and engagement to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. You will use trauma-informed, person-centered practices to build trusting relationships and connect clients to housing resources and benefits.

You will collaborate with CoC partners, healthcare providers, landlords and community organizations to promote housing stability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, counseling or related field and one+ year of experience providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions or disabilities; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with homelessness response systems, coordinated entry, and housing programs
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented practices
• Knowledge of community resources, benefits systems, and mainstream service networks
• Experience with HMIS or other electronic documentation systems, plus solid computer and mobile technology skills
• Valid VA Driver's license and reliable transportation, and ability to safely conduct field-based outreach in varying environments and weather conditions
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide housing-focused outreach and engagement services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness
• Use trauma-informed, person-centered and strengths-based practices to build trusting relationships and facilitate connections to housing resources and benefits
• Collaborate with CoC partners, coordinated entry systems, healthcare providers, landlords and community organizations to promote housing stability and improve outcomes

Skills

Trauma-informed

Motivational interviewing

Recovery-oriented

Community resources

HMIS experience

Driver's license

First Aid

Field outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Equivalent education and experience

Tools

HMIS

Job description

A career at SupportWorks Housing, Virginia Supportive Housing is a choice. We are here because we are driven to make a difference. We serve our most vulnerable neighbors by removing the barriers that have prevented them from maintaining stable housing, health, and wellness. We meet people where they are and treat them with dignity and respect. We support them through their unique challenges and traumas resulting from homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We give them support even when they don't know they need it. We don't give up.

This work can be hard, but the impact is real. If you are committed, caring and resilient and looking to make a difference, a career at SupportWorks is for you.

The Role: Housing Outreach Specialist

What You'll Do: You'll work with the Housing Outreach Coordinator and team to provide housing-focused outreach and engagement services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. You'll use trauma-informed, person-centered and strengths-based practices to build trusting relationships, identify immediate needs, support safety and stabilization, and facilitate connections to housing resources and mainstream benefits. You'll collaborate with Continuum of Care (CoC) partners, coordinated entry systems, healthcare providers, landlords and community organizations to promote housing stability and improve outcomes.

What We Offer:

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision plans starting after one month of employment.
• Short term/long term disability and life insurance at no cost, plus voluntary life insurance.
• An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and a 403b retirement plan with a company match.
• A generous PTO plan including vacation, sick and personal days, and 13 paid holidays!

What You'll Bring to SupportWorks:

• A Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, counseling or related field and one+ year of experience providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions or disabilities; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with homelessness response systems, coordinated entry, and housing programs
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented practices
• Knowledge of community resources, benefits systems, and mainstream service networks
• Experience with HMIS or other electronic documentation systems, plus solid computer and mobile technology skills
• Valid VA Driver's license and reliable transportation, and ability to safely conduct field-based outreach in varying environments and weather conditions
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification preferred

SupportWorks conducts pre-employment drug testing, criminal background and reference checking on all applicants hired.