ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

Since 1982, the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (CFTH) has been successfully uniting partners and maximizing resources to move people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing with supportive services so that everyone in our community can have a safe place to call home.  CFTH has received recognition as one of the nation’s most successful and effective Homeless Response System (HRS) lead agencies that, along with its more than 100 other community partners, has transformed our city and surrounding counties by decreasing homelessness by more than 60% since 2011. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate of Outreach is part of the Program Operations team. The specialist will be responsible for key goals of the Outreach strategy for the Coalition for the Homeless and The Way Home. These include providing direct services to individuals experiencing literal homelessness, assisting members of The Way Home with technical assistance on their respective outreach projects, and developing subject matter expertise in this area of work. The Houston, Texas-based role will report to the Lead Associate of Outreach. This is a three-year grant-funded position based in Houston, TX & continued employment is dependent on continued funding.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct Services
   1. Provide direct, progressive, engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness in locations not meant for human habitation (e.g., under bridges, in the woods, near abandoned buildings, etc.)
   2. Screen homeless persons for housing eligibility using the Coordinated Access (CA) assessment tool in the field, at assessment hubs, and via the CA intake line, as needed.
   3. Assist clients in gathering all documents necessary to complete a housing program enrollment (pre-navigation).
   4. Maintain up-to-date, accurate records on all community calls and services rendered based on established protocol.
2. Technical Assistance
   1. If assigned to Street Outreach - Assist with managing community calls, ensuring concerns are followed up on, clients are located, needs are assessed, and appropriate follow-up is provided.
   2. If assigned to Encampments – Assist with managing encampment strategy, ensuring providers are coordinated, encampment sites are assessed, and housing is arranged prior to decommissioning.  
   3. Serve as a point of contact for CoC outreach partners, providing technical assistance and feedback to providers as it relates to outreach and HUD permanent housing eligibility.
   4. Assist in the planning and execution of any outreach workgroups or technical assistance.
3. Subject Matter Expertise
   • Study and develop a knowledge base in street outreach and fieldwork strategies, HUD guidelines, and homeless response system best practices.
   • Assist the Lead Associate in providing regular feedback to management-level staff regarding outreach processes and staff performance.
   • Assist with ongoing outreach monitoring reports, audit data quality, training topics, etc.  
4. Other duties as assigned.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of relevant experience or Associate’s degree and four (4) years of relevant experience.
• A valid driver’s license and insurance for local travel within a 3-county service area with no moving violations or at-fault accidents in the last 3 years.
• At least 2 years of experience in an Outreach position or role providing direct client service to individuals experiencing homelessness or other similar roles.
• Availability to work on-site M-F, and on weekends and holidays as needed for emergency disaster response and other client-related needs.      

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong empathy, compassion, and commitment to serving the diverse unsheltered clients served by CFTH
• Ability to communicate with and understand the needs of non-technical personnel within member agencies
• Knowledge of HUD Data Standards, and guidelines and policies related to funding and housing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Client Track software.
• Experience working in the field
• Knowledge of HUD 
• Interpersonal skills and flexibility within a small office.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES 

• Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects to completion, ensuring objectives are met within the allocated timeframe.
• Ability to build and maintain productive partnerships, foster a positive team environment, and ensure client-centered service delivery.
• Ability to identify challenges, analyze potential solutions, and implement effective strategies to address issues as they arise.
• Exhibits an approach to tasks to ensure accuracy and completeness in all aspects of work, from data analysis to project management and communication.
• Ability to engage with colleagues, clients, and partners with a consistently positive and respectful demeanor, fostering productive and supportive relationships.
• Ability to adjust strategies and approaches in response to changing conditions or challenges within the homeless response system.
• Demonstrates commitment to remaining current and aware of best practices and continuously strengthening subject matter expertise.
• Ability to accomplish goals or complete tasks despite barriers or resistance – not easily discouraged by failure or obstacles.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and acts promptly to respond to requests, perform tasks, and take action.
• Displays passion and actively promotes and solicits support for a cause, program, or idea.

 COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

• CFTH pays 80% of Employee Only Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plan
• 401 K Matching with no vesting period
• Free Parking in a covered garage with valet parking
• 15 Days of General Leave in the First Year 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

CFTH is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. CFTH makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.