HERC Outreach Specialist

Job Title: HERC Outreach Specialist

Reports to: Outreach Program Manager

Salary: $56,000

Pathways to Housing DC serves people in the District and Montgomery County, MD. We are an innovative and nationally recognized nonprofit committed to ending homelessness for individuals with complex health challenges. Pathways DC is one of the originators of the “Housing First” model to end homelessness. We believe housing is healthcare and that housing is a basic human right. Pathways provides an array of services including housing, street outreach, case management, drop-in services, workforce development services and behavioral health support.

This position supports the Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC) Initiative, a community-driven effort funded through The Better Health Coalition and coordinated by a third party. The HERC Initiative seeks to advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health, expanding access to community resources, and connecting residents to healthcare and supportive services. Through field-based outreach, resource navigation, and relationship-building, the Outreach Specialist connects community members to healthcare providers, behavioral health services, housing resources, food assistance, and other supports that address social determinants of health. The Outreach Specialist will play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for vulnerable community members, addressing the unique needs of individuals grappling with substance abuse including opioid and stimulant use and persistent mental health conditions. As a subcontracted partner, Pathways to Housing DC works collaboratively with Interfaith Works and other community stakeholders to engage underserved populations and improve health outcomes throughout Montgomery County.

Approximately 75% of the time will be spent in the community, directly providing services to people who are living on the street. Shift schedules include an 8-hour shift between 6am-8 pm, Monday through Friday (and weekends or overnight before extreme weather conditions). Successful candidates are committed to ending homelessness and have a fundamental belief that hope, and recovery is always possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Carry a caseload of up to 20 clients, with varying levels of engagement in outreach services.
• Work with individuals who are street homeless and collaborate with clinical partners supporting the assessment of client safety in both home and community settings.
• Enroll a minimum of (5) individuals a month in HERC and document all efforts and outcomes of enrollment.
• Utilize motivational interviewing, overdose prevention, trauma informed and client centered approaches to engage and build rapport and connect clients to services.
• Maintain records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including service transactions, monthly case plans, incident reports, referrals, and housing needs assessments in a timely manner.
• Assist clients in applying for all benefits that they may qualify for. Examples such as SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security Benefits, Veteran’s benefits, mental health and primary care services.
• Respond promptly to calls involving concerns about an unsheltered individual in need of assistance.
• Engage with individuals in identified urban encampments, both in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
• Participate in various Coordinated Entry System (CES) activities such as, but not limited to, the CES housing & Prioritization Bi-Monthly meeting, the annual HUD Point-in-Time Count, and bi-annual unsheltered count.
• Be responsible for coordinating activities specific to AA/NA meetings, sober nights out, MAT referrals (detailed in evidence-based programs), and Naloxone distribution are carried out to ensure comprehensive support for homeless individuals with substance abuse challenges
• The Outreach Specialist will provide services at the various community drop-in centers and work alongside The Better Health Coalition to facilitate the collection of data and information to ensure contract compliance with the Grant Contract reporting standards.
• Perform related work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived Experience Strongly Preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or related field experience required.
• Have at least one (1) year of experience providing services to the homeless or to low-income individuals with severe mental illness. Five (5) years’ work experience in homeless services can be substituted for a BA degree.
• Excellent communication, writing, database management, and computer skills. Experience with Excel, Microsoft Forms and Teams Required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of overdose prevention and positive change applications preferred. 
• Driver’s License required.

BENEFITS: 

• 15 days of vacation to start plus 11 paid holidays
• 10 Paid Sick/Wellness leave
• Health Insurance (singles, partner, and family coverage offered), including an employer sponsored Health Reimbursement Account to offset the cost of copays and healthcare services
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability Pathways' paid life insurance 403b Match
• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program
• And much more