Outreach Associate

Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (CFTH); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (CFTH) seeks an Associate of Outreach to join our Outreach Program in Houston. This role works with a mobile team across Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing, shelter, and supportive services.

You will collaborate with mental health providers, hospitals, law enforcement, and social service agencies, helping clients secure housing readiness documents and navigate housing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of related experience, or Associate’s degree with 4+ years of related experience.
• Experience in housing, homelessness services, or nonprofit settings is preferred.
• Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them with shelter, housing, and support services.
• Maintain HMIS records, complete reports, logs, and mileage promptly.
• Coordinate outreach efforts with partners and community agencies.
• Transport clients as needed and ensure safe vehicle operation.
• Represent CFTH in meetings and planning efforts to improve service delivery.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Patience

Flexibility

Conflict resolution

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ClientTrack or similar case management software

Job description

The Associate of Outreach plays a vital role in CFTH’s Outreach Program by helping connect people experiencing homelessness with essential resources and support. Based in Houston, this position works directly within communities throughout Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties.

As part of a mobile outreach and case management team, the Associate engages with individuals on the streets and responds to referrals from partners such as mental health providers, hospitals, law enforcement, and social service agencies. The Outreach team also acts as a crucial link between those in need and the larger network of community partners working to end homelessness. This grant-funded position reports to the Manager of Outreach.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular outreach in communities and “hot spot” areas to identify and engage individuals experiencing homelessness, building trust through consistent contact.
• Perform outreach/InReach during times when individuals are most likely to be reached (early mornings, evenings, weekends).
• Maintain ongoing engagement with clients until they secure shelter or permanent housing.
• Use assessment tools to evaluate housing options, connect individuals to emergency or permanent housing, and facilitate access to support services and resources.
• Conduct housing assessments at designated hubs within the Continuum of Care and assist in developing service plans to support housing stability.
• Help clients secure housing readiness documentation (e.g., ID, income verification), complete housing applications, identify affordable rental options, advocate with landlords, and coordinate transportation to appointments.
• Collaborate with regional agencies and community partners to provide coordinated outreach and case management services.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with mental health providers, shelters, law enforcement, local officials, and other service providers.
• Safely operate a car or van to transport clients to services; ensure vehicle safety, complete inspection logs, and maintain cleanliness.
• Coordinate system preparation and response to weather-related events.

Data & Administrative Requirements

• Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other tracking tools.
• Complete required reports, daily logs, and mileage records promptly.
• Generate and review HMIS reports to monitor outcomes, track goals, and identify program needs.
• Participate in HMIS, Housing Assessor, and Navigator trainings to ensure accurate use of the Coordinated Access system.
• Attend team meetings, case conferences, trainings, and community meetings as assigned.
• Identify challenges, troubleshoot with providers, and recommend program improvements.
• Analyze data and trends to inform outreach practices and service delivery.
• Represent CFTH and the Continuum of Care through presentations, collaborations, committee participation, and community planning efforts.
• Stay up to date on HUD regulations and apply them to program operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of related experience, or Associate’s degree with 4+ years of related experience.
• Experience working in housing, homelessness services, or a nonprofit setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, patience, flexibility, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse and complex stakeholders, including community partners and service providers.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines, funding requirements, and housing policies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ClientTrack or similar case management software preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and ability to travel locally within a three-county service area.