Description: The Outreach Specialist works collaboratively with agency partners to reach and build relationships with those experiencing homelessness, assist with connecting clients to housing and supportive services, and provide advocacy for housing. The Outreach Specialist is also responsible for building and maintaining partnerships between Tampa Hope and the community, including other partner agencies, churches, and businesses to raise awareness and compile resources to support agency programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outreach services with the goal of moving homeless persons into Tampa Hope program to receive assistance establishing stable housing and thereby, ending their homelessness.
• Conduct focused outreach on the most vulnerable individuals including the chronically homeless and other vulnerable populations.
• Engage homeless persons and encourage them to accept assistance.
• Conduct a warm hand-off of client to Case Manager to facilitate transfer of services during intake process at Tampa Hope.
• Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with homeless service providers, mental health programs, shelter programs, Tampa Police Department Homeless Liaison Officers, as well as any providers of social services and resources.
• Identify potential appropriate permanent housing options and other resources for Tampa Hope clients.
• Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops, and community meetings as needed.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with social service agencies and resource providers; attend regular meetings of these agencies and share knowledge and mission with clients.
• Attend regular meetings with Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI) and other community partners as needed, or as directed by supervisor.
• Participate in annual Point-In-Time Count and the THHI Outreach and Point-In-Time Count Committees as directed by supervisor.
• Assist with recruitment of volunteers to support the functions of Tampa Hope programs including the delivery and support of quality breakfast, lunch and evening meals that focus on the dignity of residents at Tampa Hope.
• Responsible for working with social, civic, and local organizations to develop partnerships and, where appropriate, to recruit, develop and/or utilize volunteers.
• Responsible for coordinating with Director of Tampa Hope and Director of Marketing & Donor Relations on communication and marketing strategies for Tampa Hope outreach initiatives.
• Responsible for expanding our recognition and reputation in the community through outreach and engagement with local churches and other civic groups providing services to homeless.
• Responsible for working with Diocese of St. Petersburg Catholic Parishes and other church leaders to connect services at Tampa Hope.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complies with all applicable training requirements.
• Complies with all company safety, personnel, and operational policies and procedures.
• Complies with work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs.
• Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team.
• Participates in Agency Performance Quality Improvement (/PQI) program and Accreditation/Reaccreditation process.
• Performs other duties as necessary to fulfill Catholic Charities Diocese of St Petersburg, Inc Mission.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Able to speak, write and understand English.
• Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff, and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
• Flexible work schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines, and multi-task.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Possess strong work ethics.
• Successfully pass an FDLE Level II background screening.
• Valid Florida driver’s license, ability to drive van or bus, and have reliable transportation.
• Mission-driven attitude supplemented with integrity and passion.
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, personally and professionally.
• A high level of openness and willingness to receive feedback/suggestions from superiors and others, and to learn new skills to improve job performance.
• Evidence of deep alignment with Catholic Charities Diocese of St Petersburg, Inc Mission and Values.
• Will make a Commitment to serve all people with Respect, Compassion, and Cooperation in the spirit of a unifying God.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of an Associate Degree (Bachelors or higher preferred) in public administration, human service, or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of demonstrated experience in outreach or social services.
• Experience working with persons facing homelessness and knowledge of community resources.
• Strong listening and communication skills, written and verbal.
• Working knowledge of community development programs that address homelessness, as well as Federal, state, and municipal legislation impacting affordable housing and homeless assistance efforts.
• Knowledge of Continuum of Care (CoC), Coordinated Entry, and HMIS.
• Understanding of City of Tampa geography and roadways.

BENEFITS:

• Basic Major Medical, Dental, and Vision for Employee. Additional coverage available. Employee Medical Premium 100% paid by company.
• Basic Life Insurance
• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Short-term Disability Plan
• Long-term Disability Plan
• Personal Time Off for vacation, illness, or personal business (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Agency Pension Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supplemental Life Insurance (Optional Benefit)
• 401K (Optional Benefit, this is a voluntary self-contributory plan)
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (Optional Benefit)
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (Optional Benefit)
• Additional Benefits through AllState (Self-Contributory Optional)
• Cancer Policy
• Group Critical Illness
• Accident Insurance Hospital Confinement
• Direct Deposit
• Staff Training
• Tax-Deferred Payroll Options available

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. EEO/AA/ADA Employer.

Catholic Charities participates in the US E-Verify program.