Homeless Outreach Program Specialist*

NEOGOV seeks a dedicated Homeless Outreach Program Specialist to join the Office of Homeless Services in San Bernardino County, CA. This role involves direct engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness, offering crucial peer support and facilitating access to vital services. The specialist will focus on dismantling barriers to care and contributing to the development and enhancement of effective homelessness reduction programs throughout San Bernardino County.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct sensitive and respectful field-based outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, acknowledging diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Provide peer support and mentorship, leveraging shared lived experiences to foster trust and encourage client engagement.
• Assist individuals in accessing essential resources including housing, medical care, behavioral health treatment, and other supportive services.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IEHP Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services and guide clients through accessing and navigating these supports.
• Develop and manage initiatives to address homelessness in the county, ensuring alignment with county goals and the Continuum of Care (CoC) framework.
• Manage administrative duties such as maintaining case files, preparing reports, and documenting client interactions, referrals, and progress according to program guidelines.
• Serve as a liaison between county departments, service providers, community organizations, and the public, fostering collaboration to advocate for and deliver coordinated services.
• Lead and participate in training sessions for service providers and community stakeholders on best practices for supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Qualifications:

• Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of college coursework in behavioral/social science, business/public/health care administration, liberal arts, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in housing, human services, social services, behavioral/mental/public health programs, or community-based organizations performing case management.
• Experience must include field-based homeless outreach.
• A valid California Class C Driver License.
• A clean driving record and proof of automobile liability insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience coordinating efforts across county departments and entities to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Proven ability to manage challenging client interactions using de-escalation techniques compassionately and professionally.
• Experience employing strategies to re-engage clients with housing commitments and support their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.
• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with local organizations and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and maintain a client-centered approach, emphasizing empathy and trust.
• Experience balancing administrative tasks with direct service delivery.
• Experience delivering presentations and engaging diverse audiences on homelessness issues.