Homeless Outreach Specialist

Position Summary

The Homeless Outreach Coordinator is responsible for coordinating outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness, managing outreach center operations, supervising volunteer activities, maintaining service records, and collaborating with community partners to ensure the effective delivery of resources and support services. This position serves as a primary point of contact between the organization, community partners, volunteers, and individuals receiving services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Homeless Camp Outreach

The Homeless Outreach Coordinator:

1. Coordinates with Family Kitchen regarding the number of lunches required for each homeless camp location.
2. Maintains established lunch quantities unless consistent access changes or shortages of ten (10) lunches or more occur for a minimum period of three consecutive weeks.
3. Loads outreach vehicles on Tuesdays with dog and cat food, canned food, toilet paper, and additional soft drinks when available.
4. Loads outreach vehicles on Thursdays with dog and cat food, canned food, toilet paper, hygiene products, first-aid supplies, and baked goods when available.
5. Fills and prepares the outreach trailer water tank and loads coolers with soft drinks when available.
6. Loads and distributes blankets, propane, hand warmers, frozen beef, and other available seasonal or donated items.
7. Delivers lunches and outreach supplies to individuals listed on the homeless outreach service roster.
8. Refills customer water containers upon request.
9. Issues special-request items as inventory permits.
10. Maintains accurate records of outreach contacts, services provided, and items distributed.
11. Provides outreach service data to administrative staff for entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Outreach Center Operations

The Homeless Outreach Coordinator:

1. Ensures all customers and clients are properly checked into the outreach center.
2. Processes new customers and clients into the organizational database.
3. Provides guidance to Outreach Specialists regarding the acceptance or refusal of donated items.
4. Oversees the distribution and organization of front-area giveaway items.
5. Coordinates food box distribution with the American Military Encouragement Network.
6. Coordinates soft drink distribution with Big Foot Pepsi Distribution.
7. Oversees volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and daily operations.
8. Receives and reviews volunteer applications.
9. Contacts prospective volunteers regarding opportunities and requirements.
10. Schedules and conducts volunteer interviews.
11. Processes volunteer background checks in accordance with organizational policies.
12. Assigns volunteer duties and establishes work schedules.
13. Ensures volunteer hours are accurately tracked and documented.
14. Prepares monthly operational and activity reports.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

The Homeless Outreach Coordinator:

1. Coordinates with homeless camp residents regarding dump trailer scheduling and usage.
2. Collaborates with the Homeless Leadership Coalition and community partners during Point-In-Time (PIT) counts.
3. Assists with planning, coordination, and execution of Stand Down and community outreach events.
4. Attends homeless outreach and community service meetings, either in person or virtually, as required.
5. Transports dump trailers to landfill facilities as needed and tracks disposal weights, fees, and related expenditures.
6. Performs other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s mission and outreach objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and community partnerships simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and provide direction to staff.
• Knowledge of community resources and homeless services preferred.
• Ability to safely operate trucks, trailers, and related equipment.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the field.

Working Conditions

This position requires a combination of office, outreach center, and field-based work. Duties may involve lifting donated goods and supplies, driving outreach vehicles and trailers, working outdoors in various weather conditions, and interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness in camp and community settings.