Outreach Specialist HOT

LifeMoves; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

LifeMoves in San Mateo, CA is seeking a Bayside Outreach Specialist to join the Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT). You will conduct outreach to unsheltered individuals, provide case management, housing and benefits navigation, and connect clients to community resources within the northern San Mateo County area.

The role reports to the Program Director and emphasizes trauma-informed, strength-based approaches, documentation in HMIS, and collaboration with partner agencies to support clients toward

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred; or HS diploma/GED with 2–5 years of related experience.
• Comfortable using basic technology, including phone, email, Microsoft and Google Suites, and databases.
• Care, Respect, Empathy; strong emotional regulation; clear documentation and organization.
• Advocacy skills to connect clients to housing, employment, health, and social services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain individualized case plans focused on housing, employment, benefits and well‑being.
• Support housing searches, employment readiness, benefits enrollment, and life skills.
• Document outcomes in HMIS and coordinate with partners, landlords, and service agencies.
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and trauma-informed care; ensure ethical standards.
• Build partnerships with community organizations to expand access to resources.
• Participate in trainings, case conferences, and schedule variances (evenings/weekends).

Skills

Empathy

Documentation

Organization

Communication

Education

Associate Degree in related field

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Vendome - San Mateo, CA 94401, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $25.50 - $38.50 Hourly, Job Shift: Any, Shift DetailsShift Details: DayMonday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.

Hourly pay Rate: $25.50-$38.10/hour

ABOUT LIFEMOVES

LifeMoves is the largest and most effective provider of housing and services for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Silicon Valley since 1987. Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building collaborative partnerships. With 40 programs, LifeMoves gives our neighbors experiencing homelessness a temporary place to call home while providing intensive, customized case management through site-based programs and community outreach.

POSITION PURPOSE

LifeMoves | Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT) conduct outreach to unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. HOT collaborates with multiple internal and community organizations to provide holistic services to help the individuals return to stability. HOT is a subset of a larger Outreach team that includes Rapid Response Dispatch and an Encampment Resolution team.

The HOT Bayside Outreach Specialist reports to the Program Director and engages unsheltered clients, ensures continuity of care with partner agencies and helps clients navigate complex systems effectively in the northern part of San Mateo County, which includes but is not limited to Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, Belmont, San Carlos, Foster City, Hillsborough, and San Mateo. The position plays a key role in supporting people moving toward safe, stable housing and greater self-sufficiency. They provide case management services, life skills support, and resource connections and work in partnership with clients to set goals, celebrate progress, and overcome challenges. Using a trauma-informed and a strength-based approach, this position builds trust and respect, making sure clients feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their journey.

Key responsibilities include supporting clients by connecting them to services, building support networks, facilitating groups and activities, advocating for equitable access, and providing crisis intervention when needed. Beyond working directly with clients, this role may help to improve the overall program by sharing ideas, identifying service gaps, and helping strengthen community relationships. This role maintains clear documentation, contributes to program planning and reporting, and models professional, ethical behavior and works closely with their teammates to provide high-quality, coordinated care. Through their efforts, staff empower clients to grow their strengths, reach their goals, and build a better future.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support and Case Management

Develop and maintain individualized case plans focused on housing, employment, benefits, and overall well-being, based on each client’s strengths and goals. Support clients with housing searches, employment readiness, benefits enrollment (e.g., General Assistance, CalFresh, CAPI), and skill-building activities such as budgeting and daily living. Connect clients to healthcare providers and community resources, and assist with coordination, scheduling, and transportation as needed. Maintain accurate and timely client documentation and outcome tracking in HMIS and the agency’s client management system. Advocate for client needs and rights when working with partners, landlords, employers, or service agencies; provide mediation and conflict resolution support as needed. Provide calm, trauma-informed crisis response and ensure all client services align with ethical standards and agency values.

Resource Connection and Community Collaboration

Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, public agencies, and system partners (e.g., VA, APS, CPS, Probation) to support clients and improve access to resources. Serve as a liaison between LifeMoves and community stakeholders by sharing information, coordinating services, and promoting trauma-informed care practices.

General Agency Responsibilities

Participate in weekly case conferences, monthly trainings, and regular supervision to strengthen skills. Fully participate in all required trainings. This includes completing trainings by assigned deadlines, actively engaging during sessions, and applying learnings to daily work. Attend continuing education opportunities to grow expertise and uphold agency standards. Be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed or as schedule describes. Perform other duties as assigned to meet program and organizational needs.

Outreach Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in encampments or public spaces, connecting those interested with Core agencies or other essential services. Respond to dispatch requests or partner referrals, providing connection to shelter, housing, and essential services. Distribute basic needs supplies (e.g., food, hygiene kits) and build rapport to support engagement and trust.

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Requirements: Associate Degree in related field preferred; or High School Diploma/GED with 2-5 years of equivalent experience in related field. Related fields may include direct involvement in peer advocacy, community outreach, housing services or roles within the homelessness services field.

Technology: Comfortable using basic technology, including phone and messaging systems, email, Microsoft and Google Suites, and databases to complete administrative tasks and case management, reporting, and tracking outcomes.

Service Level Qualifications:
Care, Respect, Empathy: Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and respect for all individuals.
Emotional Regulation: Stays calm and supportive in stressful situations and uses de-escalation skills.
Documentation: Maintains clear documentation and organization.
Organization/Prioritization: Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.

Care Level Qualifications:
Advocacy Skills: Actively advocates for clients in accessing benefits, navigating systems, and ensuring equitable treatment across agencies.
Resource Identification: Able to identify and connect clients to housing, employment, health, and social services by leveraging community resources effectively.
Research Skills: Uses strong analytical skills to research, track, and resolve client needs.
Partnership Engagement: Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations and service providers through communication and collaboration skills to strengthen client support networks.
Specific Knowledge: Specialized demonstrated knowledge in Outreach, which includes understanding how to approach people to offer services in a safe, appropriate, and welcoming manner wherever they reside.

COMPETENCIES

Job Knowledge: Understands job duties and performs tasks with accuracy.
Commitment to Growth: Demonstrates a selfless commitment to others on the team, including activity-based dependability, self-improvement activities. Actively seeks opportunities to contribute at higher levels in service to LifeMoves and others on the team.
Performance Improvement: Sets performance goals, establishes the approach, creates a learning environment.
Time Management and Reliability: Manages workload effectively and meets deadlines.
Proactive Collaboration: Actively seeks opportunities to partner with colleagues across teams and functions. Shares knowledge, communicates openly, and anticipates needs to support collective goals. Builds trust by contributing ideas, offering assistance, and ensuring alignment to achieve results together.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Contingent Upon:
Satisfactory results of a background check.
Satisfactory results of a DMV Motor Vehicle Record Check.
Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and current vehicle insurance.
Proof of clear TB test dated within 60 days of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS

On-site, in-person working requirements: Outreach and in the community 100%
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Travel: Occasional Travel Between Sites
Physical Demands: Duties may require sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, reading, using computers or other equipment, communicating and exchanging information with others, and lifting or moving up to 25 lbs. LifeMoves provides reasonable accommodations to support performance of essential job functions, as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

LifeMoves is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from all backgrounds, including bilingual, bi-cultural, BIPOC, Native and/or Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process.

This job description may be updated at any time to reflect changing organizational needs.