Outreach Specialist
2 days ago
Columbus
Job DescriptionDescription: Valley Healthcare System, Inc. (VHcS), formerly Community Health Center of South Columbus has been proudly serving the Chattahoochee Valley and surrounding regions since 1994. From our beginnings in the Baker Village community, we've expanded to offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, outreach, and pharmacy services. As a patient-centered and team-based healthcare provider, we recognize that our people are the foundation of our success. Position Summary Under the direction and guidance of the Outreach Team Leader, this position is responsible for assisting clients experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. The Outreach Specialist will identify clients, assist them with accessing permanent housing and completing move-in activities, and provide stabilization services (case management) to all clients, though the extent of assistance will vary according to the client’s needs. Duties and Responsibilities: Through outreach and wrap-around services, the Outreach Specialist will meet the needs of clients experiencing homelessness by: • Implementing best practices in client-centered outreach and case management through trauma-informed and harm-reduction protocols., • Outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness who are not already being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems., • Encouraging clients to accept placement and opportunities to stabilize their lives., • Collaborating with other homeless services providers and community resources to facilitate access to the Continuum of Care services, including basic needs (including food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, and laundry), housing assistance, substance abuse education and treatment, legal assistance, and health information., • Assisting with the assessment of potential program participants as referred by the Coordinated Entry System to the Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs., • Recruit private landlords to rent to clients., • Collaborate with local housing authorities, VA supportive housing programs, and other homeless service providers to maximize opportunities for all clients., • Assist clients to develop and/or complete an Individualized Service Plan, including: realistic goals with concrete steps that will ensure housing stability while addressing employment/income, money management strategies, and any other identified service needs, providing a list of safe, affordable housing resources to clients for housing search, determining needs around utility deposits, furniture moving assistance, etc., and coordination of move-in activities to secure needed household items., • Provide advocacy and negotiation with landlords/rental managers to facilitate tenant acceptance., • Provide and/or coordinate activities to ensure that clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants., • Teach clients steps and communication tools to advocate for themselves in seeking and maintaining housing (including advocating for eligible benefits)., • Refer the client to other community resources to achieve goals and follow up to ensure referrals are completed., • Track and document client progress., • Use Case Coordination meetings to share client progress and get support in working with high-barrier clients., • Educate clients about the housing program, your role, and their role., • Minimum two years’ experience in human services and/or case management., • Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational, conflict resolution and computer literacy., • Proficient in the latest Microsoft Office Environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and HMIS (preferred)., • Prior experience and understanding of causes of homelessness; experience working with landlords, local rental markets, and/or housing sales., • Knowledge of Housing First, fair housing practices, and VAWA., • Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure a positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency., • Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach., • Ability to complete basic math as well as review and interpret reports and graphs., • Understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and goals of VHcS., • Salary: $47,500.00 Yearly, • 100% Employer-Paid Medical Coverage and Long-term Disability Coverage, • No-cost Dental and Vision Services at our Clinics – Additional Dental, Vision, and Short-term Disability Coverage is available for purchase at a reduced cost., • 403(b) retirement plan, • Competitive salary Confidentiality (HIPAA): Every employee must sign a Pledge of Confidentiality. Failure to comply may result in immediate termination. Confidentiality applies to all patient and financial information in written, oral, and electronic formats. Each employee must maintain confidentiality even after employment ends. Security (HIPAA): Every employee must protect their computer log-on and password. Every employee must protect their computer login and password, log off their workstation before leaving unattended, and secure sensitive documents. Noncompliance may result in reprimand or termination. Physical Requirements: Duties require planning, organizing, and performing a variety of duties applying a wide range of procedures and rules. Duties require attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy, reliability, timeliness, alertness, and sound judgment. Also requires writing ability, creativity, and concentration. Access to and use of confidential data where discretion/sensitivity is of utmost importance. Frequently required to walk long distances, stand, sit, talk, and hear for long periods of time. Occasionally required to reach, stoop, and handle and/or lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to check reports for completion and accuracy, and to retrieve and transmit information. Use of general office environment equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Environmental Working Conditions: Up to 75% of the employee’s time will be spent in the field throughout the year, in a variety of physical terrains, including, but not limited to: riverbanks, creek beds, wooded areas, under bridges, on overpasses, in shelters, abandoned buildings, and encampments. These job responsibilities are to be the main emphasis of this position. As with every job VHcS, it is not possible to define jobs precisely. Should the need exist, every person in the organization will assist in any way necessary to assure an efficient and cooperative environment.