Peer Outreach Specialist - Union Station Homeless Services

TITLE: Peer Outreach Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Programs

REPORTS TO: Associate Director MDT

Employment Status: Full Time

Reg. Hours Worked: 40 / Week, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: 24.04/hr

Benefits:

• 5 Paid Flex Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Paid Vacation Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 403b Account Match

JOB SUMMARY:

The Peer Outreach Specialist conducts outreach activities with a focus on chronically homeless and highly vulnerable individuals. The Peer Outreach Specialist is a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) that will provide services to clients on the streets and in encampments. They bring their lived experience to the clients and the team. They will address the individuals’ immediate needs and work to engage them in the housing process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts team based and individual outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from walk-ins and other collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals as part of a multi-disciplinary outreach team, including experts in mental health, substance use, and physical health – including nursing/medical staff.
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers.
• Connects individuals to supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, employment, etc.
• Document services and complete data entry into HMIS database.
• Provide linkage to mainstream resources, such as DPSS or Social Security Disability.
• Provide transportation assistance for the purposes of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
• Conduct follow-up activities to ensure completion of the crisis-housing plan.
• Identify appropriate interventions to address and resolve the homeless status of program participants.
• Assists individuals with accessing permanent housing opportunities including permanent supportive housing, move-in assistance, shared housing, affordable housing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
• Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Requires use of a computer keyboard.
• Travel to off-site meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of emergency housing, transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County preferred.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care and others preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing preferred.
• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Gmail) preferred.
• Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in the Homeless Management Information System preferred.
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner) preferred.
• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Personal familiarity with homelessness - having experienced homelessness.
• Completion of a peer case manager or peer advocacy program preferred.
• Well-qualified candidates not meeting the specifically stated requirements may be considered subject to funder approval.

Union Station Homeless Services Embraces Diversity

We embrace our differences and are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion and belonging. Our commitment to racial equity within the organization is crucial to who we are and the clients we serve. Committed to being an anti-racist organization and sharing the the unique cultural experiences from our networks, we offer annual racial equity training, host ongoing learning experiences through our lunch n' learns, and participate in on-going mental health trainings.

We promote acceptance, respect, teamwork and fosters diversity in the workplace. We believe every individual has a story, past, and a unique set of skills that shape who we are and through this network, we can learn from each other to become better versions of ourselves personally and professionally. Through our staff-led network focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, we work to communicate, educate, and express diverse cultivation through our eight Diversity Networks. We are honored that the Diversity Network has been recognized as part of the Community Impact Awards presented by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Union Station Homeless Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer