Homeless Programs Specialist

Description

CORE VALUES

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Inc. (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of our resources. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Homeless Program Specialist, through CHC/SEK’s subsidiary, Building Health, Inc., is motivated and passionate about improving housing and health outcomes for people who are, or are at risk of, experiencing homelessness by supporting programs operated by BHI, including the Lived Experience Advisory Board and Adult Reading Program. This position will support the Lived Experience Advisory Committee and Adult Reading Program to provide opportunities for advocacy, community building, and social capital bridging. In addition, this position will assist in identifying community needs and establishing tracking/reporting methods to help the program and participants. These programs provide people with the lived experience of homelessness with opportunities to gain skills and experiences that will increase their capacity to gain and maintain housing and employment.  

The Homeless Programs Specialist will also support the Homeless Programs Coordinator during outreach, homeless certifications, coordinated entry assessments, housing stability plans, and coordinating all key stakeholders involved in a program participants’ housing plan while also ensuring compliance with regulatory guidance. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists with planning, organizing, implementing, and facilitating a Lived Experience Advisory Board, including, but not limited to, recruitment, coaching, transportation coordination, and meeting support. 
2. Participate in team-based outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, building relationships and connecting them to housing, healthcare, and supportive services.
3. Conduct participant intake, assessments, and develop housing stability plans; monitor progress and coordinate with partner organizations to support outcomes.
4. Advocate for participants and assist with navigating education, employment, housing, and healthcare systems in alignment with individual plans.
5. Collaborate with the PSU READing Center to support participant enrollment, attendance, screening and referrals, and success by addressing transportation and other access barriers to improve their ability to read.
6. Maintain accurate, audit-ready records and databases; assist in developing tracking tools and preparing reports to demonstrate program outcomes and inform planning.
7. Serve as a positive role model and represent the program in a positive manner with participants, volunteers, partners, community members, and while attending meetings, conferences, or public events. 
8. Identifies community needs and leverage insights to inform and shape program goals, ensuring alignment with the evolving landscape of homeless services.

The essential functions listed are not an exhaustive list of every task the employee is required to complete. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A combination of related education or experience working in social work, behavioral health, public health, criminal justice, addiction treatment, community and family services, case management, or related fields.
2. Lived experience of housing insecurity or homelessness is preferred.
3. Must possess a valid driver’s license, as travel is required. Must maintain driving standards- no more than 2 minor or 1 major driving violations within a 3-year lookback period.
4. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Must possess and demonstrate a high degree of leadership, organizational ability, and both written and oral communication skills. Must possess ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
2. Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the rationale of appropriate patient care.
4. Communicates through appropriate channels. Use proper chain of command for patient complaints.
5. Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
6. Must be computer literate. Proficiency in using relevant software and technology for data management and reporting. 
7. Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with co-workers and other members of the organization.
8. Provide customer service in accordance with the organization’s mission.
9. Be courteous and respectful when interacting with patients and family members.
10. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with organization’s policies, procedures, and HIPAA requirements.
11. Must have a strong desire to assist people who are experiencing homelessness, including those with severe and persistent mental illness, substance used disorder, and/or co-occurring disorders.
12. Strong understanding of socioeconomic cultural differences.
13. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of programs, educational opportunities, and resources to contribute positively to the program or participants.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Will be expected to perform homeless outreach, which may include outside settings with various weather conditions and terrain, as well as in areas not intended for human habitation (encampments, streets, shelters). Frequent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness and may include exposure to high-stress situations, behavioral health or addiction concerns, and environments with limited sanitation. The employee must have the ability to demonstrate sound judgment, situational awareness, and adhere to safety protocols. Travel is a requirement of this position.