Homeless Outreach Specialist

The City of Avondale has an opportunity for a Homeless Outreach Specialist assigned to the Neighborhood and Family Services Department.

The Homeless Outreach Specialist is responsible for providing direct services to identify, engage, and support Avondale neighbors and families who are unsheltered or at risk of becoming homeless through the delivery of targeted, purposeful, housing-focused outreach services. The Homeless Outreach Specialist, as a member of the Homeless Services Division, will support the Homeless Solutions Coordinator to ensure individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness have access to resources to address housing instability. The Homeless Outreach Specialist will build relationships with those who are unsheltered and work to reduce barriers to accessing shelter and housing. The nature of the work may require occasional evenings and weekend work.

This position will also support the Heat Relief Program, which operates from May 1 through October 1, and will require working weekend shifts during that time.Deploy diversion strategies to assist individuals and families develop a housing plan and prevent the need for shelter and other homeless services.

Develops a relationship with Avondale neighbors who are unhoused through frequent, purposeful, targeted, housing-focused street outreach; Confer about obstacles preventing utilization of services and means of overcoming those obstacles.

Provide housing barrier assessments data collection used to facilitate housing placement through the Maricopa County Regional Coordinated Entry System (entry assessment).

Provide direct navigation services as needed to a caseload of at least 30 individuals at any given time. Services include but are not limited to survival aid, transportation, securing benefits, mediation with families and property managers, paperwork, assisting with housing search, connection to mental health services, and continuing time-limited supports once the person or family is sheltered or housed permanently, assistance with completing and processing applications or registration forms for services.

Visits communities and canvases neighborhoods to educate regarding homelessness and the City of Avondale Homeless Services.

Maintain accurate records, including services rendered and to whom, using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for Maricopa County and proprietary City of Avondale data systems; enter data into system files and databases in a timely and consistent manner; may complete client demographic logs and other statistical information.

Provide support and services to community members accessing Avondale’s weekend Heat Relief program.

Maintain assigned vehicles/trailers (check fluids, tires, and wash van regularly, clean inside of van daily). Maintain supplies (water, hygiene packs, etc.) and resources (brochures, paperwork, etc.) in vehicles.

Maintains computerized log of daily activities and completes simple reports and other forms.

Attend workgroup meetings, and training, and participate in continuous quality improvement of the Homeless Services Division.

Answers department telephones; greets customers and visitors; provides customer assistance; retrieves requested documents; provides information regarding programs, services, and procedures; refers callers or visitors to other staff members as appropriate; and takes messages.

Performs other duties as assigned. A High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) is required. An Associate’s degree in a related field is preferred. Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and technical training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify.

One (1) year of experience conducting street outreach or case management working with families and/or individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or addiction.

Valid Arizona Driver's License or the ability to obtain one upon hire.

Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card required within 3 months of hire. Work requires the ability to read and interpret City codes, ordinances, policies and procedures, computer program information, directions, and other written communications.

Work requires the ability to perform basic math calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and percentages.

Work requires the ability to write in a clear, precise, grammatically correct manner, as well as to write customer correspondence and reports.

Work is governed by broad instructions, objectives, and policies. Work requires the exercise of initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.

Work Requires Organizational Skills To Meet Deadline Submittal Requirements.

No supervisory responsibility.

No budgetary responsibility.

Must be able to work with the public in accordance with citywide and departmental policies and procedures.

Incumbents in this position must be able to communicate positively and professionally in person, by phone, and in writing to provide exceptional customer service in a high-demand environment. Ability to project a positive image and the ability to handle angry and frustrated customers effectively. Employees must maintain regular attendance. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.