Outreach Resource Specialist - STAR Village in Tucson, Arizona at Primavera Foundation

About Role

The Outreach Resource Specialist for STAR Village plays a vital role within Primavera's Integrated Outreach Services Department. This position is primarily stationed at STAR Village and is responsible for participant engagement, service coordination, crisis intervention, resource navigation, and community-building activities. In addition to on-site responsibilities, the Outreach Resource Specialist will conduct physical street outreach throughout the community as needed to identify, engage, and support individuals experiencing homelessness.

This position is part of Primavera's Integrated Outreach Service Delivery Model and works collaboratively across multiple programs to ensure participants receive coordinated, comprehensive, and person-centered support. The Outreach Resource Specialist serves as a key connector between STAR Village, Mobile Outreach Services, Shelter Services, Housing Programs, Workforce Development Programs, and community partners, helping participants successfully navigate Primavera's continuum of care. This position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, and other barriers to stability.

The successful candidate will demonstrate compassion, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to helping participants achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Work assignments may vary based on program and organizational needs.)

• Provide direct participant engagement, support, and resource navigation services at STAR Village.
• Conduct physical street outreach in encampments, washes, public spaces, shelters, and other locations where individuals experiencing homelessness congregate.
• Identify and engage participants, assess immediate and long-term needs, and facilitate connections to services and resources.
• Conduct participant assessments, site assessments, and wellness checks as appropriate.
• Assist participants and case managers with housing navigation, shelter placement, benefits enrollment, behavioral health referrals, employment resources, identification recovery, and other supportive services.
• Serve as a liaison between STAR Village and other Primavera programs to ensure continuity of care and coordinated service delivery.
• Facilitate participant referrals between internal programs and external community providers.
• Coordinate services and support with internal staff, community partners, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, and public service systems.
• Assist with participant transportation coordination when appropriate through available community resources and partner agencies.
• Facilitate and distribute outreach supplies, harm reduction materials, hygiene products, food resources, and other essential items.
• Participate in outreach deployments, community events, collaborative initiatives, and encampment response efforts.
• Network and collaborate with community partners and service providers to strengthen service delivery and participant outcomes.
• Advocate for participant needs while promoting participant self-sufficiency and empowerment.
• Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, outreach logs, assessments, and documentation in accordance with agency, contractual, and funding requirements.
• Utilize HMIS and other agency databases to document services and outcomes.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings, case conferences, and service planning discussions as assigned.
• Support STAR Village operations through participant engagement, conflict resolution, community-building activities, and crisis response.
• Respond appropriately to participant crises utilizing trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and harm reduction principles.
• Document and report emergencies, incidents, safety concerns, and critical events to leadership immediately and no later than 24 hours after occurrence.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies, procedures, safety standards, and program requirements.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, agency meetings, and community partner meetings.
• Demonstrate adherence to Primavera's guiding principles of integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, and leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of homelessness systems, housing resources, behavioral health services, substance use treatment resources, and community-based services.
• Understanding of the principles of Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Familiarity with the Tucson community and available social service resources.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional boundaries with vulnerable populations.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and respond appropriately during crises.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based case management systems.
• Strong documentation and data entry skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work environments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Arizona Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Proof of insurance and ability to be insured through Primavera.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, Public Health, or a related field; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Minimum of two years of experience in street outreach, case management, shelter services, behavioral health, housing services, social services, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and time management skills.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Ability to complete Primavera's background screening process.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Three or more years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience utilizing HMIS or other case management databases.
• Experience conducting street outreach, crisis intervention, or behavioral health support services.
• Knowledge of local homeless response systems and community resources.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary or integrated service delivery model.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT / CONDITION

• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors in streets, washes, encampments, and desert environments for extended periods.
• Ability to tolerate varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, squat, and lift to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely navigate outdoor environments and respond appropriately during emergencies and crises.
• Ability to travel throughout the community as needed to conduct outreach activities and attend meetings.