Homeless Outreach Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $17.40 per hour

General Responsibilities:

The Homeless Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness, building trusting relationships, and connecting them to critical housing resources. This role involves field-based work, often in challenging environments, and requires a compassionate, persistent, and trauma-informed approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular outreach in encampments, streets, parks, and other locations where unsheltered individuals reside.
• Build rapport and trust with individuals experiencing homelessness through consistent, respectful, and nonjudgmental engagement.
• Connect clients to homeless services, emergency shelter, medical care, mental health and substance use services, and other community resources.
• Assist with obtaining identification, benefits, and documentation required for housing applications.
• Advocate for clients with landlords, service providers, and housing authorities.
• Provide transportation assistance or accompany clients to appointments as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other required databases.
• Track outreach activities, client progress, and service outcomes.
• Participate in case conferencing and housing prioritization meetings as needed.
• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, and training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
• Travel throughout the service area of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties, often in challenging environments and weather conditions.
• Overnight travel may be required for training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Associates degree in human services
• Lived experience of homelessness or experience working with homeless populations

Additional Requirements:

• Proficient computer skills, including Office 365 and web-based tools
• Reliable transportation, valid drivers license, proof of insurance, and acceptable driving record review
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including the review of criminal records, abuse, neglect, and sex offender registries
• Adherence to smoke-free and drug-free policies

We will be accepting applications until 9/11/2025