Housing Outreach Specialist

SupportWorks Housing; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Disability & life insurance

EAP program

403(b) retirement with company match

PTO & holidays

Job summary

SupportWorks Housing in Virginia is seeking a Housing Outreach Specialist to engage individuals and families experiencing homelessness, using trauma-informed, person-centered practices to connect them with housing resources and benefits.

You'll work with an Outreach Coordinator, coordinate with CoC partners and landlords, and help promote housing stability while addressing immediate needs and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field and 1+ 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, working with the Housing Outreach Coordinator and team
• Use trauma-informed, person-centered and strengths-based practices to build trusting relationships, identify needs, support safety and stabilization, and connect to housing resources
• Collaborate with CoC partners, coordinated entry systems, healthcare providers, landlords and community organizations to promote housing stability and improve outcomes

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Motivational interviewing

Recovery-oriented practices

Community resources

HMIS experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Tools

HMIS system

Mobile technology

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 14 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.

Salary: $24.03 - $26.44 per hour