Who we are:
The h3 Project is a passionate family sized 501(c)3 non-profit formed on 1 January 2020 to address the issue of homelessness and human trafficking in the NoMa BID (including Union Station), MVT CID, Downtown BID, Capitol Hill BID, and Dupont Circle BID area of Washington, DC. The h3 Project's vision is to create a future in which all individuals - regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation - experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking - are given opportunities to live meaningful and self-directed lives, in homes of their choice, with support and services they need for success. The h3 Project embraces the spirit of recovery and an attitude of self-directed hope, partnering with each individual to help shape their personal journey and realize their potential, we accomplish this through in-person outreach on the streets of DC.
Summary:
This position conducts Outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking in the aforementioned areas of Washington, DC. The Outreach Specialist will conduct street outreach to locate and refer individuals experiencing homelessness to proper resource and referral channels to empower individuals off the streets and into a life filled with meaning, safety, and contentment. Our outreach staff works to build trust with those experiencing homelessness. This is done first by helping to meet some of their basic needs (including food, clothing, showers, laundry, transportation, identification, etc.). Then, they partner with each individual to access housing, employment, medical care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and other services.
The Outreach team also responds to concerns about people experiencing homelessness in the area from police, other social service providers, business owners, workers, residents, and Union Station visitors. When medical or psychiatric crises occur, outreach staff intervenes when appropriate and follow-up to ensure seamless medical or psychiatric care and transition back into the community.
The Homeless Outreach Specialist is responsible for implementing a comprehensive homeless outreach strategy for Washington’s Union Station. Approximately 80% of time will be spent in the community, directly providing services to persons living on the streets of Washington DC. While much of the work is independent and self-directed, there is also a strong team dynamic. Shift schedules include hours between 10am-10pm, 7 days a week. The h3 Project also recognizes the importance of self-care by offering a generous FOUR WEEKS OFF PAID vacation a year, after a successful traineeship.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Make contact and develop rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or human trafficking at Washington’s Union Station;
- Conduct street outreach in assigned outreach area which will include Union Station and NoMa BID and may include MVT CID, Capitol Hill BID, Dupont Circle BID and/or DBID;
- Be able and willing to work 2-3 weekend days a month as your regularly scheduled shift;
- Identify and engage individuals in need of services, assess needs, and work with a core caseload consistently over time to create a plan to meet needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services;
- Determine overall needs of those frequenting areas of coverage in order to strategically manage time and resources;
- Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation and provide a consistent presence;
- Offer clothing, hygiene articles, and other basic items;
- Coordinate within a larger continuum of care and address barriers and complex needs of multiple individuals;
- Assist individuals in applying for mainstream benefits, including Medicaid and food security applications;
- Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services;
- Provide in-person assistance, including escorts, and facilitate smooth transitions (“warm handoffs”) to other service and housing providers;
- Advocate with other agencies for individuals to receive necessary services and housing;
- Respond promptly to crises and to calls from Amtrak Police Department and Union Station Redevelopment Corporation involving concerns about homeless persons in need of assistance at Washington’s Union Station;
- Respond promptly to crises and concerns from our grantors- USRC, NoMa BID, MVT CID, Dupont Circle BID and DBID;
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision;
- Maintain and document all outreach efforts electronically;
- Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed;
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent and at least 2-years experience in DC homeless outreach services required
Or
- A Bachelor’s Degree and at least 1-year experience in DC homeless services required.
Or
- Masters in a relevant field with at least 1-year relatable experience required.
Qualifications:
- Must possess a valid Government ID.
- Understanding and/or experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness required.
- Experience with outreach to local organizations and government agencies in the DC area required.
- Harm Reduction and knowledge of the Challenge of Opioids as pertains to the DC area preferred.
- Excellent communication, writing and computer 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.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for The h3 Project? What experience/skills do you have that would benefit the team? (Required Question for Submission- if you do not answer this question your application will not be processed)
- Do you speak any other languages? If so which one(s)?
- Are you willing and able to work a minimum of two weekend days (Saturday and/or Sunday) a month as part of your regularly scheduled shift? (Required Question for Application Consideration)
- Are you available and able to work a job that requires mostly standing/walking on your feet? 80% of this job is in the field and involves walking/direct street engagement. 20% is at the desk for admin work/notes. Please provide evidence of your current level of fitness that illustrates being on your feet for 6-7 hours a day will not pose a problem. (Required Question for Application Consideration)
Work Location: In person
