Outreach Coordinator

Description

The Outreach Coordinator works collaboratively as part of the Outreach Team to support the mission of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless (BRACH). This role is responsible for coordinating outreach efforts and providing strength-based, collaborative, and solution-focused case management to individuals experiencing homelessness. The ideal candidate is a clear communicator, highly organized, and demonstrates strong time management skills. They must be willing to learn, adapt, and uphold the highest standards of integrity, teamwork, and dedication. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and a commitment to serving individuals with compassion and respect. Specific duties include engaging individuals experiencing homelessness, assisting them in accessing health, housing, and social services, and helping unsheltered clients access shelter. This position reports to the BRACH Executive Director.

For more information, please visit: www.blueridgehomeless.org

Job Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Outreach and Engagement:
o Implement a strategic, collaborative outreach plan to engage individuals experiencing homelessness.
o Build trusting relationships with clients, using a strength-based approach to identify their unique needs, goals, and resources.
o Assist unsheltered clients in accessing shelter and other critical resources.

2. Case Management and Support:
o Work with clients to develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) that reflect their strengths, preferences, and goals.
o Regularly meet with clients to monitor progress, provide support, and adjust plans as needed.
o Maintain accurate, respectful, and confidential client interactions and progress records.

3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
o Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders.
o Advocate for clients’ needs and connect them to appropriate health, housing, and social services.
o Work with the Executive Director to ensure service delivery aligns with trauma-informed, strength-based, and solution-focused best practices.

4. Documentation and Reporting:
o Prepare detailed reports on outreach activities and outcomes to support program evaluation and grant applications.
o Ensure accurate data collection and reporting to meet organizational and funding requirements.

5. Continuous Learning and Growth:
o Participate in training and development opportunities to deepen skills in trauma-informed, strength-based, and solution-focused approaches.
o Stay informed about emerging trends, resources, and best practices in homelessness services.

6. Other Responsibilities:
o Respond to emergencies and crises with compassion and resourcefulness.
o Perform additional duties as needed to support BRACH’s mission and clients.

Skills Required

Preferred Qualifications, Experience, and Abilities:

1. Alignment with Values: A strong belief in BRACH’s mission and a commitment to working with individuals in housing crisis and vulnerable populations.

2. Education/Experience:
o Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field; OR
o Lived experience of homelessness or housing instability (e.g., shelter, couch-surfing, living in a car or outdoors); OR
o Two years of experience working in Human Services with populations experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, domestic violence, or poverty.

3. Skills and Qualities:
o Ability to establish and maintain respectful, trusting relationships with clients while honoring their autonomy and dignity.
o Knowledge of community resources in the Charlottesville area (preferred).
o Experience working with individuals facing multiple barriers to income and housing stability (preferred).
o Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
o Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal day-to-day supervision.
o Commitment to ongoing learning and growth, including seeking out training opportunities to deepen trauma-informed, strength-based, and solution-focused practices.
o Ability to perform light physical tasks, such as lifting up to 30 pounds, and to travel to various sites as needed.
o Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on active listening and clear, compassionate dialogue.
o Ability to remain calm and responsive in high-stress or unpredictable situations.
o Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience with client databases (e.g., Homeless Management Information System) is a plus.
o Valid Virginia Driver’s License.

Work Schedule

The Outreach Coordinator will work mostly in-person. This position will require making direct contact with unhoused clients through direct street outreach activities. These activities will initially focus on the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County but will also include Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson Counties. The work schedule can be flexible to a certain extent based on our population’s needs and will be dicussed in further detail during initial conversations about the role.

Additional Info

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
• Physical Demands: Sitting, walking, lifting up to 30 pounds, reaching, carrying, speaking, and listening.
• Work Environment: A dynamic, fast-paced environment that may involve high-stress situations. Safety and respect are prioritized in all interactions.