Job Details

Scope:

The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for conducting street-outreach to those individuals and families who are homeless. 

Essential Functions

• Conduct street-outreach and engagement to homeless persons who are sleeping in shelters, on the streets, in encampments or other places not meant for human habitation (i.e. streets, under bridges or automobiles) through face-to-face intervention.
• Target homeless households or individuals who are also experiencing Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and connect them to the appropriate homeless response team/coordinated entry for housing options.
• Collaborate with Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC) and neighboring CoCs to rapidly and successfully connect qualified individuals to shelter.  This could include providing transportation. 
• Conduct initial housing screenings using the identified SPDAT; also providing the most appropriate level of service by assessing acuity and prioritizing need.
• Attend all required trainings including those required by Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) and Wayne Metro. 
• Work closely with Agency staff to share information gathered regarding services available for the homeless and subpopulations, the means through which to access those services, and contacts which may be helpful in efforts to ensure clients are well served.
• Maintain accurate data and program records which are compatible with those maintained by WMCAA and the City of Detroit for the purpose of deriving statistics, meeting federal and state requirements, and compiling program reports as may be requested by program management.
• Maintain a positive attitude toward assigned work, clients, staff, and a willingness to work with others. 
• Work collaboratively with Manager to identify weekly schedule, ensuring schedule aligns with Street Outreach program goals and identified areas. Monitor and enhance effective utilization of time.
• Actively participate in all staff meetings by being prepared utilizing problem-solving skills and providing appropriate feedback to team members.
• Assist the Supportive Housing and Homeless Services (SHHS) department in other areas of our mission as needed and as directed by management staff.
• Support Wayne Metro’s mission of empowering individuals and communities to be strong, healthy and thriving.
• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment with a usually quiet noise level. This is largely an active role and the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and frequently use hands and to talk or hear.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred or a combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years’ experience conducting street outreach to hard sleepers and those experiencing a severe and persistence mental illness or substance use disorder.
• Knowledge of Wayne County demographics, the needs of the homeless and those at-risk of homelessness in Wayne County and services available to meet those needs.
• Possess strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills to ensure that supportive services are delivered to eligible clients through engagement, education, and systems development. 
• Experience with the Michigan Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) preferred but not required.