Peer Outreach Specialist

TITLE: Outreach Specialist

This is a Temporary Assignment

TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES Temporary employees are those employed to work seasonally, on special projects for short periods of time, or on a "fill-in" basis. These positions are not intended to be a part of continuing operations. A temporary employee will not change from temporary status to regular full-time or part-time status because the employee's assignment is extended. An employee's status only will change if the employee is advised of such a change, in writing, by USHS's HRD. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, temporary employees are not eligible for Organization benefits, and temporary employees remain employed at will at all times.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Peer Outreach Specialist conducts outreach and housing navigation activities with a focus on individuals who are chronically homeless, battling severe mental illness, substance use disorders and/or complex chronic health conditions. The Peer Outreach Specialist is a member of PORT (Pasadena Outreach Response Team) which is a partnership between the Pasadena Fire Department, Public Health Department and Union Station Homeless Services. The Peer Outreach Specialist will work alongside a case manager and firefighter to help address immediate needs and work to engage individuals in the housing navigation process.

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

• Conducts outreach activities to engage chronically homeless individuals toward pursuing permanent housing options.
• Receives, assesses and triages referrals from other collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening and triages chronically homeless individuals.
• Assists individuals with collecting documents necessary for applying for permanent supportive housing.
• Attends case conferencing meetings to coordinate services with other providers in CES system. Also attends any meetings required by Public Health Department.
• 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 HMIS 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 preferred.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Personal familiarity with homelessness - having experienced homelessness.
• Completion of a peer case manager or peer advocacy program preferred.

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 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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer