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Position Purpose

The Housing Outreach Specialist applies professional expertise in supporting Direct Service Teams working with families that are experiencing homelessness. HOS carries a specialized caseload of families that are experiencing homelessness. The HOS serves as representative of Head Start in providing direct service navigation and resource management to individuals experiencing homelessness within Lane County. This role is vital in providing individuals experiencing homelessness with the service guidance, support, and advocacy needed to successfully apply for and be placed into housing opportunities in Lane County. The HOS will work alongside colleagues from the public and private sectors; professional behavior is always expected.

Essential Job Knowledge and Duties

  1. Maintains expertise on the effects of homelessness on children and families.
    1. Manage HFG Applications and correspondence.
  2. Stay up to date on current resources and materials to support families experiencing homelessness.
  3. Provides training for Direct Service Staff and Management.
  4. Provide outreach and service connection to HSOLC families experiencing homelessness in Lane County.
  5. Work with families to determine needs and connect with all available and appropriate resources related to housing insecurity.
  6. Develop relationships with state, county, and local agencies and partners that can serve as referral resources (Economic Mobility).
  7. Ensure family information is secure and remains confidential.
  8. Make calls and coordinate hand-offs to service providers and clients’ families, as applicable.
  9. Maintain an understanding of the following:
    1. McKinney-Vento Act Legislation
    2. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)/Training Opportunities
      (Coordinated Entry)
    3. Other relevant regulations and protocols (DHS, Lane County Resources etc.)

Direct Family Support and Advocacy

  1. Maintain caseload of families that are considered most at-risk for adverse effects of homelessness, including medically or otherwise vulnerable households.
  2. Collaborate with appropriate agencies to provide housing retention/eviction intervention.
  3. Support and collaborate with direct service staff in their interactions with families experiencing homelessness.
  4. Create an intake process which will yield a comprehensive list of resources the family already has and still needs.
  5. Directly assist families in completing applications and housing searches
  6. Collaborate with the Family/Community Engagement Consultant, Health Consultant, and Education/Disabilities Consultant in order to provide comprehensive services to families that are homeless.
  7. Engage family participation in services through assertive outreach and flexibility to the needs of the families.
  8. Collaborate with partner agencies to provide comprehensive and up-to-date services to families.
  9. Collaborate with Department of Human Services, as appropriate.
  10. Continue Case Management with recently housed families for continuity and support with goal of successful transition to being housed

Minimum Requirements

  • Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Family and Human Services or closely related degree and previous experience working with social services, in homeless prevention or with non-profit organizations preferred.
  • Two years’ professional level experience in specialty area, preferably in a social/family service environment, leadership (coaching, mentoring, and training) experience is also preferred.
  • Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software and the Microsoft Office Suite of products.
  • Knowledge of basic office equipment should include internet and email, copy and fax machines, mobile devices, and telephones.
  • Ability to prioritize required workload, which includes both time in the field and administrative duties, such as paperwork, reports, and data submission.
  • Knowledge and understanding of individuals experiencing homelessness and their associated needs.
  • Knowledge of available social services in Lane County, as well as how to access them.
  • Knowledge of housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness in Lane County.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, ensuring that all correspondence is written in a professional manner.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
  • Exercises patience during all interactions.
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills preferred.
  • Works well under pressure to meet multiple, competing deadlines.
  • Demonstrates professional and cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times.
  • Demonstrates cultural responsiveness and empathy while collaborating with a large, diverse workforce. Regular, predictable attendance is required.
  • Valid Oregon Driver’s License, proof of current auto insurance and access to transportation.
  • Must have flexible schedule to accommodate family needs, which may include some evening or weekend hours.
  • Must be Pediatric CPR & First Aid certified within 30 days of employment.
  • Current enrollment in Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care-Central Background Registry

Desired skills/attributes

  • Spanish language skills
  • Demonstrated experience in administrative duties, community relations, and collaboration with multiple local community organizations and initiatives.
  • Commitment to social justice for people living in poverty, and a thoughtful approach to strategies for achieving it.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including, ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, and ability to stay neutral and unbiased in approaching conflict.

Position Information

  • 48 weeks per year
  • 20 hours per week
  • Bargaining Unit
  • Supervised by Family-Community Engagement Consultant

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Head Start of Lane County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Policy Council approved May 2022, December 2025