Outreach Specialist at Friendship Place – Washington, District of Columbia

Description

Position Title: Outreach Specialist

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Category: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: DC Office

Hours: Flexible schedule (Monday-Friday), between 7 am and 6 pm. Some evenings, holidays, and weekends may be required to support operations and to respond to emergencies.

Travel: Required, please refer to Specific Requirements below

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a Person-First Organization that promotes transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to perform their job duties in a manner consistent with our core values.

Summary

This position conducts Outreach to Veterans and their families in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick. The Outreach Specialist will conduct street outreach to locate eligible veteran households for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve. The Outreach Specialist will screen for program eligibility and complete VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments as needed to determine prioritization within the Coordinated Entry system and enter them into HMIS. The Outreach Specialist will complete cover sheets and fill open intake slots with eligible households assigned to Friendship Place. The Outreach Specialist will build and maintain relationships and partnerships with other social service organizations and outreach workers in the service areas.

Responsibilities:

• Make contact and develop rapport with homeless and at-risk Veteran Families, and make appropriate community referrals.
• Conduct street outreach
• Target the “most in need” Veteran Families and those who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve
• Conduct VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments with Veteran Families in need of services and enter into HMIS.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local social services and public benefit agencies, shelters, and faith-based and community-based organizations serving low-income, at-risk, and homeless Veteran Families.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local VA facilities, including Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration offices
• Participate in Stand Down (or similar) events
• Participate in Local Coordinated Entry
• Market services provided by the SSVF grant
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and supervision, and actively seek professional development opportunities.
• Communicate professionally and clearly in all interactions—both written and verbal—to support seamless service delivery and collaboration.
• Maintain and document all outreach efforts in Excel.
• Maintain compliance with all assigned mandatory training and background clearances.
• Attend professional training and conferences as needed
• Support other Specialists as needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the success of the program and its participants.

Background & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED and at least two years of experience in a similar setting preferred
• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience in a similar environment preferred
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Must have or be able to obtain a First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on skills testing module. Friendship Place will provide First Aid/CPR/AED training.
• Experience with outreach to local organizations and government agencies.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience working with Veterans.
• Experience with Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet services, and web-based reporting systems.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Solid decision-making and problem-solving skills (Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; use sound and accurate judgment; Attention to detail)
• Must possess and be able to demonstrate strong intra- and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively express ideas, needs, and observations both verbally and in writing. This includes the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, colleagues, and supervisors, as well as to document interactions and incidents accurately, professionally, and in a timely manner.
• Must be able to demonstrate active listening, emotional awareness, and the ability to adapt their communication style to different individuals and situations.
• Excellent Customer Service (Displays kindness and respect and meets service expectations; Upholds client confidentiality)
• Commitment to Growth and Development (Strives to build knowledge, skills, and best practices)
• Attendance/Punctuality (Consistently on time and ensures support coverage, as necessary)
• Teamwork and Collaboration (Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives/receives feedback; upholds confidentiality; pursues objectivity and open dialogue)
• Strong work ethic, including integrity, honesty, professionalism, and accountability for actions.
• Commitment to Organizational Practices and Culture (Mission, Core Values, Strategic Planning, and Compliance)

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

A minimum of 50% of time may be spent working in the field with participants, in the car, outdoors, or in shelters. The other time will be spent in the office completing administrative tasks and paperwork, and meeting with the supervisor.

Specific Requirements: Positions requiring travel must have reliable access to personal transportation to fulfill job duties. The vehicle must meet all legal requirements, including valid registration and current auto insurance. Employees must provide the employer with A current copy of their valid driver's license and proof of insurance. They must maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) that meets organizational or insurance carrier standards as a condition of employment. Additionally, employees are required to notify the employer and provide updated documentation within a legally appropriate timeframe if there are any changes to their driver’s license status or insurance coverage.

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled.
• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $27.94 - $30.53 per hour. Depending on the position, the starting hourly pay rate or annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate's starting pay is determined by meeting the basic position requirements and by current completed education, credentials, and/or work experience. Please note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 12 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more!
• Physical and Environmental Requirements: This position requires staff to spend approximately 50% of their time working in the field with participants, attending community events, and attending CoC meetings. Staff will interact with participants who have a history of experiencing homelessness. Staff must spend time viewing units with participants and, if needed, visiting participants for home visits. Staff will navigate city traffic. Must be able to sit and work at a computer for prolonged periods. Driving for 20% of the time.
• Background Checks: The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting, including FBI and MPD checks, as well as MVR, references, education, and employment verification.
• Direct Reports: None
• Indirect Reports: None
• Specific Requirements: Must have own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. The vehicle must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.), and the employee must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Equal Opportunity Statement: We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Friendship Place is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in its employment, services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact human resources at humanresources@friendshipplace.org