Brookdale Resource Center
ESG Outreach Specialist
Reports To: Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Funding Source: Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Street Outreach Program
Position Summary
The ESG Outreach Specialist engages individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout Macon-Bibb County and surrounding service areas. The position is responsible for locating, engaging, assessing, and connecting homeless individuals to housing, shelter, healthcare, behavioral health services, employment resources, and other community supports.
The ESG Outreach Specialist serves as a bridge between individuals living in places not meant for human habitation and the programs and services designed to help them achieve housing stability. This position also supports ESG compliance by maintaining accurate client documentation, participating in HMIS data collection, and adhering to all DCA and HUD requirements
Street Outreach & Client Engagement
- Conduct outreach in encampments, streets, parks, wooded areas, abandoned properties, and other locations where unsheltered individuals may reside.
- Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness through trauma-informed and person-centered engagement.
- Conduct preliminary needs assessments and identify immediate safety, housing, and service needs.
- Provide crisis intervention, information, referrals, and resource navigation.
- Assist clients in obtaining shelter, housing, identification documents, benefits, transportation, healthcare, and other essential resources.
- Distribute approved outreach supplies, including hygiene items, blankets, clothing, food, and other basic necessities.
Housing Navigation & Service Coordination
- Connect participants to emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, coordinated entry, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, employment services, and mainstream benefits.
- Assist participants in developing housing-focused service plans.
- Coordinate with BRC Case Managers and community partners to address participant barriers to housing stability.
- Support participant transportation to shelters, appointments, housing viewings, and community services as appropriate.
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete all required intake, assessment, and service documentation accurately and timely.
- Maintain participant files in accordance with ESG, HUD, HMIS, and agency requirements.
- Enter and update participant information in HMIS and other required data systems.
- Collect and maintain required eligibility and homelessness verification documentation.
- Participate in monitoring, audits, quality assurance reviews, and grant reporting activities.
- Ensure confidentiality and protection of participant information at all times.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Develop and maintain working relationships with shelters, law enforcement, hospitals, behavioral health providers, faith-based organizations, and community service agencies.
- Participate in community outreach events, resource fairs, and homeless response initiatives.
- Represent Brookdale Resource Center professionally within the community.
- Assist with cultivating community awareness of homelessness and available services.
Program Administration
- Attend required DCA ESG trainings, webinars, and staff meetings.
- Assist with collection of program performance data and success stories.
- Maintain outreach schedules, mileage logs, and other program records.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field; bachelor's degree preferred.
- Two (2) years of experience in homeless services, outreach, case management, social services, behavioral health, or a related field.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred.
- Ability to pass background screening requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of homelessness, housing instability, and community resources.
- Ability to engage individuals experiencing crisis with empathy and professionalism.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and de-escalation techniques.
- Ability to work independently in community settings.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management databases.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and meet documentation deadlines.
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel throughout the community.
- Regular walking, standing, and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
- Occasional evening or weekend outreach activities may be required.
- May encounter environments that present behavioral health, safety, or environmental challenges.
Performance Measures
- Number of individuals engaged through outreach activities.
- Timely and accurate HMIS data entry.
- Completion of required documentation and service records.
- Successful referrals and linkages to housing and supportive services.
- Compliance with ESG, HUD, and Brookdale Resource Center requirements.
- Participation in required trainings and community partnerships.
Interested applicants please send a cover letter along with your resume to egibson@brookdalerc.org.