HomeFirst Services

POSITION: Outreach Specialist
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Outreach/Boccardo Reception Center, San Jose, CA
SUPERVISOR: Program Coordinator
STATUS: Regular/Temporary, Full-time, Non-Exempt

PROGRAM SUMMARY:
HomeFirst Citywide Outreach and Shelter Project is designed to connect street and encampment homeless individuals to shelter, services, and housing. The target populations for this program are vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals who are living on the streets or in encampments throughout San Jose. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the streets and other
outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless residents. The goal of the program is to connect clients to services that will result in permanent
housing.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Service 80%
• Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless in San Jose.
• Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, health
care, mental health services, etc.
• Transport clients, in an agency vehicle, to the BRC shelter or other appropriate destinations.
Provide UPLIFT requests for those who qualify.
• Conduct VI-SPDATS assessments as appropriate to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency,
and appropriate housing or service program referral and/or placement.
• Complete all appropriate data collection, Salesforce, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of
activities within 2 business days.
• Respond to the Homeless Helpline calls/emails for assistance within 1 business day.
• Assist clients with accessing public benefits and assistance as appropriate.
• Connect or refer clients to services provided at the BRC shelter service center.
• Make timely and accurate decisions in emergency or crisis situations with particular awareness of
the need for safety of all clients, staff, or volunteers involved.
• Provide street-based case management to the unhoused population.
• To provide access to emergency shelter, meals, showers, and laundry services to unsheltered
homeless individuals.
• Staff the Hotline weekly and monitor/update Outreach bed list.
• Provide excellent customer service when staffing HomeFirst Homeless Helpline.
• Weekend and after-hours support required when requested from the City.
General 20%
• Utilize supervision appropriately, maintaining open lines of communication and providing updates
on activities regularly.
• Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures.
• Properly report any suspected cases of abuse.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
• High school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field is a plus
• Having personal or professional experiences with homelessness

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
• Knowledge of highly-utilized locations in San Jose where homeless congregate and camp
• Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments and
high traffic areas)
• Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (usually in a backpack, up to 30 lbs.)
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless
• Commitment to increasing the housing stability and self-sufficiency of the homeless
• Strong verbal and written skills; knowledge of multiple languages is desirable
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds and professional rank
• Demonstrated effective communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of community resources and human services
• Initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations
• Good collaboration skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the internet

Other
• Clean driving record
• Valid CA driver license and legally required insurance; reliable transportation

ABOUT THE AGENCY: 

 We serve more than 5,000 adults, veterans, families, and youth each year at eight locations including the Boccardo Reception Center, which is the county’s largest homeless services center. In 

40+ years of experience, we’ve learned that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We are relentlessly focused on eliminating barriers to housing and stability for everyone we serve.  

HomeFirst Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst Services participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst Services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

HomeFirst Services takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst Services is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.