Coordinated Entry Specialist

Title:  Coordinated Entry Specialist

Department:  Coordinated Entry for Singles

Reports to:  Coordinated Entry Services Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt-Hourly Full-Time M-F 9am-5pm

Compensation: Based on Experience, Negotiable

The East Oakland Community Project (EOCP) is a partner of the Coordinated Entry Effort for Sin Alameda County.  EOCP’s Crossroads is part of the centralized hub that provides housing services, support and referrals for single men and women who are homeless. The Coordinated Entry initiative will assess individuals who are literally experiencing homelessness and will be connected to an array of services, including emergency and permanent housing.

The Coordinated Entry Specialist conducts screenings on the phone, in person, and in the community to determine eligibility for housing services. This position uses Shelter Point to place individuals in shelter and assists non-literally homeless individuals by using triage, problem-solving and providing referrals for services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Delivery

• Meet with all homeless individuals on both a scheduled and drop in basis; by phone, in person, and through street and venue outreach
• Provide crisis support and management on the phone and in the field to homeless men and women
• Administer brief screening /assessment to determine eligibility for homeless services
• Complete HMIS (Homeless Information Management System) intakes for all literally homeless individuals
• Complete screenings and intakes over the phone, utilizing the Shelter Point system within HMIS to reserve shelter beds
• Connect homeless individuals with eligible services including, housing search assistance, rapid re-housing, landlord mediation, housing resources, housing workshops
• Maintain required documentation and tracking of services in a timely manner
• Work as part of the outreach team as needed
• Engage in referrals and coordination as needed
• Attend all CES trainings and all other required trainings
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include some evenings and weekends
• Perform other related duties as required by management

Administration

• Update and/or maintain all required tools, drop box and screening forms
• Gathers statistical data to monitor program effectiveness
• Assists with providing input for grant reports
• Attend weekly or biweekly program staff meetings, trainings and all-staff meetings that are held during the day

Modeling Behavior

• Promotes a positive environment by modeling a positive, professional demeanor at all times, treating all community members with dignity and respect
• Conversant with and follows all guidelines presented in the NCFFD Policies and Procedure Manual
• Maintains client, staff and organizational confidentiality
• Conducts business in accordance with the EOCP Employee Handbook, exercising sound judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and the community

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field required
• Minimum three-year experience working with homeless, dually diagnosed, or individuals living with substance use issues
• Experienced working with public benefits, chemical dependency, health, and social service programs in Alameda County
• Able to show flexibility and respond to the needs of homeless individuals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Capacity to work well in a pressured, fast-paced environment and, in consultation with supervisor, set priorities in the presence of conflicting needs
• Knowledge of basic counseling and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques
• Experienced utilizing conflict-resolution skills to de-escalate volatile situations with clients
• Excellent knowledge of local housing market
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a calm demeanor and communicate effectively with families (verbal and written)
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to work effectively with a team of other professionals and coordinate services/activities with each member, as needed
• Strong self-awareness and sense of limitations. Appropriate professional and personal boundaries with high integrity
• Able to maintain professional attitude and appearance at all times. Must dress neatly and professional when reporting to work
• Ability to be added to the agency's insurance and drive agency vehicles

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a homeless drop in center or shelter setting
• Knowledge of rapid re-housing techniques

• Knowledgeable about dynamics of homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  English, second language, especially Spanish or American Sign Language a plus

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  High School level

REASONING ABILITY: Able to utilize good judgment, think logically and make sound decisions.  Demonstrated ability to outline realistic service plans

COMPUTER SKILLS:  Experience working with computers and successful utilization of Word and Excel.  Must possess knowledge of the Internet and be able to retrieve resources and email

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  California Driver’s license and insurance.  This position requires an annual tuberculosis test

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The employee in this position is required to use hands to type, handle, feel
• The employee in this position is required to climb stairs, walk, sit, talk and listen
• The employee in this position is occasionally required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch or reach

• The employee holding this position must occasionally safely lift and/or move up to 40 lbs
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color

vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Able to work in a diverse and stressful environment with homeless individuals living with multiple issues

To Apply:

• Send a resume and cover letter in PDF format to jobs@eocp.net.
• Use subject line: FName, LName for Coordinated Entry Specialist (your first name and last name).
• In the cover letter, answer these questions:

1. What kind of experience do you have working with the homeless community?
2. How well do you perform in a pressured, fast-paced environment and, in consultation with supervisor?