The Outreach Specialist plays a critical role in connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with essential healthcare and housing services. Working closely with hospital systems, this position involves consistent in-person outreach, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and direct support to individuals at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The Outreach Specialist uses a client-centered, "do whatever it takes" approach to identify needs, coordinate services, and help guide individuals toward housing stability and improved health outcomes.
Responsibilities / Job Duties :
- Conduct regular outreach at assigned hospitals and healthcare facilities to identify individuals in need of housing and support services.
- Provide intensive outreach and case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness within assigned hospitals and healthcare systems.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with hospital discharge planners and healthcare staff to ensure coordinated and timely referrals.
- Establish and manage communication and referral procedures for patients experiencing homelessness prior to discharge.
- Conduct pre-discharge engagement, introduce clients to available resources, and explain the Outreach Specialist / Case Manager role in service navigation.
- Complete program enrollments and conduct ongoing case management, including needs assessments, service planning, and follow-up.
- Coordinate care and collaborate with internal and external service providers to prevent duplication of services and ensure continuity of care upon discharge.
- Provide information, referrals, advocacy, and linkages to community-based resources, including medical, behavioral health, benefits, and housing services.
- Deliver crisis intervention and stabilization support as needed in hospital and community settings.
- Assist clients in obtaining vital documents and benefits (e.g., identification, birth certificates, SSI / SSDI), including accompanying clients to appointments when necessary.
- Identify and secure appropriate temporary and permanent housing options, including permanent supportive housing, subsidized housing, and market-rate units.
- Support clients with housing applications and required documentation for supportive and subsidized housing programs.
- Conduct housing searches, survey rental markets, and provide advocacy with prospective landlords on behalf of clients.
- Assist the Program Manager with data collection, documentation, and preparation of quarterly reports for community stakeholders.
- Performing consistent and frequent outreach services in assigned hospitals / healthcare systems.
Minimum Education and Experience Qualification Requirements :
Community Health Worker Certification (or equivalent credential)Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance (driving is required for this role)Preferred Qualifications :
Associate's, bachelor's, or advanced degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public health, or a related field - or equivalent lived / work experienceExperience using Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)Current HMIS licenseSchedule / Shift : Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (ULAC), The San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO), and the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA).As a job position within our Care Management division, a successful completion of a background check may be required as a condition of employment. This requirement is directly related to essential job functions including but not limited to : accessing financial and confidential information, access and handling of patient medical records, providing medical care inside a patient's residential address, driving, prescription and other drug access and administration, and working with vulnerable populations, such as, minors, elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities. Due to these job duties, this position has a significant impact on the business operations and reputation, as well as the safety and well-being of individuals who may be cared for as part of the job position or who may interact with staff or clients.