Outreach Specialist

This position conducts Outreach to Veterans and their families in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick. The Outreach Specialist will conduct street outreach to locate eligible veteran households for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve. The Outreach Specialist will screen for program eligibility and complete VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments as needed to determine prioritization within the Coordinated Entry system and enter them into HMIS. The Outreach Specialist will complete cover sheets and fill open intake slots with eligible households assigned to Friendship Place. The Outreach Specialist will build and maintain relationships and partnerships with other social service organizations and outreach workers in the service areas. 

Responsibilities:

• Make contact and develop rapport with homeless and at-risk Veteran Families and make appropriate community referrals 
• Conduct street outreach  
• Target the “most in need” Veteran Families and those who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve 
• Conduct VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments with Veteran Families in need of services and enter into HMIS 
• Develop and maintain relationships with local social services and public benefit agencies, shelters, and faith-based and community-based organizations serving low-income, at-risk, and homeless Veteran Families 
• Develop and maintain relationships with local VA facilities, including Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration offices 
• Participate in Stand Down (or similar) events 
• Participate in Local Coordinated Entry 
• Market services provided by the SSVF grant 
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision 
• Maintain and document all outreach efforts on Excel 
• Attend professional training and conferences as needed 
• Support other Specialists as needed 
• Perform all other duties as assigned 

About Us:

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization serving the Washington, DC, region, empowering individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs with positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults, and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We have established a national presence and are known for sharing best practices in the field. 

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a person-first Organization that promotes transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to carry out their job tasks in a manner that is consistent with our core values. This includes the following: 

• Excellence and Innovation 
• Finding Ways to Say “Yes”  
• Caring at the Core  
• Agents of Change  
• Support, Empowerment, and Development  
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Collaboration  
• Integrity and Accountability 

Background & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED and at least two years of experience in a similar setting preferred 
• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience in a similar environment preferred 
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle 
• Understanding and experience working with Veterans 
• Experience with outreach to local organizations and government agencies 
• Strong written and verbal skills 
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment 
• Strong commitment to mission, including racial equity and social justice 
• Ability to work well under pressure 
• Ability to work as a team player 

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled. 
• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $58,861 - $63,506 annually. Depending on the position, the starting hourly pay rate or annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate's starting pay determination is based on meeting the basic position requirements and current completed education, credentials, and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.  
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more! (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees). 
• Physical and Environmental Requirements: This position requires staff to spend approximately 50% of the time in the field spent working in the field working with participants, attending community events, and attending CoC meetings. Staff will interact with participants who have a history of experiencing homelessness. Staff must spend time viewing units with participants and potentially in participants’ homes to conduct home visits. Staff will navigate city traffic. Must be able to sit and work at a computer for prolonged periods. Driving for 20% of the time.
• Background Checks: The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting, including FBI, and MPD.
• Direct Reports: None
• Indirect Reports: None
• Specific Requirements: Must have own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. The vehicle must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.), and the employee must have a valid driver's license.