Homeless Outreach Specialist

City of San Antonio • Full-time • San Antonio, TX, US • $50.22k - $75.33k / year • 5d ago

Job Summary

Under direction, is responsible for performing street outreach and engagement in support of unsheltered homeless clients. Provides needs assessments and service navigation in support of clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency. May exercise technical supervision over assigned staff.

Work Location
Claude Black Center - 2805 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX (78203)

Work Hours
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday with occasional evenings and weekends.

Essential Job Functions

Travels to encampment sites and locations throughout San Antonio where the unsheltered population resides and proactively initiates non-judgmental conversations to create and maintain relationships and provide a consistent presence.
Performs needs assessments and clinical coordination to assist clients with service navigation, employment, and stabilizing their mental health and medical situations, including mental illness, substance use disorders, or other medical concerns. Occasionally transports clients to appointments, shelters, and other locations as needed.
Coordinates with and responds to referrals from community organizations, neighborhood associations, government organizations, faith-based organizations, council district offices, Homeless Hotline, 311, law enforcement, the SAPD San Antonio Fear Free Environment Unit, and other service providers, which involves attending meetings and events outside normal work hours.
Provides interpretation of program policies and procedures to service partners.
Collects, reports, and presents data related to homeless outreach activities.
Provides training and guidance to assigned staff as needed in support of program goals and objectives.
Assists with encampment site abatement events and operates as essential personnel during critical response efforts and/or city closure days as needed.
Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
Two (2) years of experience in social work or related experience.
Valid Class "C" Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with unhoused individuals.
Experience working in extreme temperatures.
Knowledge of local resources.

Applicant Information

Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of counseling, psychology, ethics, and social services theory and methodology
Knowledge of standard program evaluation methods and reporting procedures
Knowledge of Housing First and Harm Reduction practices
Knowledge of techniques related to counseling, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation
Knowledge of physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders
Knowledge of trauma informed care and motivational interviewing
Skill in utilizing a personal computer and other basic office equipment
Ability to problem solve and work independently
Ability to communicate effectively including establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, City management and their staff, colleagues, clients, and the general public
Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodations
Ability to work outside in homeless encampments, often located in drainage culverts, highway underpasses, wooded areas, parks, etc.