Outreach and Engagement Specialist- Miriams Kitchen

jill.carmichael

Position Outreach and

Engagement Specialist

Classification Non‐Exempt

Reports To Director of Outreach

Date March 2017

Department Outreach

MIRIAM’S KITCHEN MISSION

Miriam’s Kitchen works to end chronic homelessness in Washington, DC.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Outreach and Engagement Specialist will conduct outreach to a caseload of high‐priority sheltered

and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness, administer VI‐SPDAT assessments, help individuals

collect identification documents in an effort to become ‘document ready’, and facilitate the housing

process by acting as a liaison between the targeted individual and housing provider in a variety of

settings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Provide housing match services to a primary caseload of high‐priority people to facilitate the

housing process and ensure successful housing placement.

 Continually outreach to people on the “Be on the Lookout” list.

 Provide outreach, case management, and housing navigation services in any setting necessary,

including streets, shelters, hospitals, jails, and encampments.

 Provide referrals to medical, mental health, and substance abuse services as needed.

 Assist targeted people with applying for identification documents, entitlements, and other

benefits.

 Collaborate with Miriam’s Kitchen’s SOAR Specialists to ensure that clients without income

receive assistance applying for disability benefits as appropriate.

 Build rapport and utilize motivational interviewing strategies to support vulnerable people with

moving through the stages of change and accepting an offer of housing.

 Attend Department of Behavioral Health trainings.

 Access the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to input VI‐SPDAT assessments and

upload people’s identification documents.

 Utilize computerized databases to maintain written and computerized records, compile reports,

and complete other program documentation (e.g. case notes), while maintaining appropriate

confidentiality of client information.

 All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

o Familiarity with the homeless services and housing landscape in Washington, DC.

o Spanish proficiency preferred.

Skills:

o Comfortable operating computers, inputting information into a database, and documenting

case notes.

o Strong communication skills and sense of boundaries.

Abilities:

o The ability to navigate DC via public transportation and on foot.

o Able to work in a variety of settings, including streets, shelters, hospitals, jails, and

encampments.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

o 1‐2 years of experience working in services for homelessness, mental health, substance

abuse, or HIV/AIDS; or certification/licensure/bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.

Working Conditions:

o Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs.

o Able to handle physically demanding work – to include but not limited to; standing and/or

walking up to 5 hours per day in all types of weather.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@miriamskitchen.org. Your subject line should read:

Outreach and Engagement Specialist.

This position description should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the sole standards for

the position. Incumbents are expected to perform all other duties as required.