About Us:

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region, empowering individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We have established a national presence and are known for sharing best practices in the field.

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a Person – First Organization that believes in promoting transparency, and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to carry out their job tasks in a manner that is consistent with our core values. This includes the following:

• Excellence and Innovation
• Finding Ways to Say “Yes”
• Caring at the Core
• Agents of Change
• Support, Empowerment, and Development
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Collaboration
• Integrity and Accountability

Summary:

This position conducts Outreach to Veterans and their families in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick. The Outreach Specialist will conduct street outreach to locate eligible veteran households for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve. The Outreach Specialist will screen for program eligibility and complete VI-SPDAT, SPDAT and/or Prevention assessments as needed to determine prioritization within the Coordinated Entry system and enter them into HMIS. The Outreach Specialist will complete cover sheets and fill open intake slots with eligible households assigned to Friendship Place. The Outreach Specialist will build and maintain relationships and partnerships with other social service organizations and outreach workers in the service areas.

Responsibilities:

• Make contact and develop rapport with homeless and at-risk Veteran Families and make appropriate community referrals
• Conduct street outreach
• Target the “most in need” Veteran Families and those who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve
• Conduct VI-SPDAT, SPDAT and/or Prevention assessments with Veteran Families in need of services and enter into HMIS
• Develop and maintain relationships with local social services and public benefit agencies, shelters, faith based and community-based organizations serving low-income, at risk, and homeless Veteran Families
• Develop and maintain relationships with local VA facilities, including Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration offices
• Participate in Stand Down (or similar) events
• Participate in Local Coordinated Entry
• Market services provided by the SSVF grant
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision
• Maintain and document all outreach efforts on Excel
• Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed
• Support other Specialists as needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Background & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED and at least 2 years of experience in a similar setting preferred
• Bachelors degree and at least 1 year of experience in a similar setting preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Understanding and/or experience working with Veterans
• Experience with outreach to local organizations and government agencies
• Strong written and verbal 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

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

About 90% of the time may be spent working in the field with participants, in the car, outdoors, or in shelters. Other time will be spent in the office completing administrative paperwork and meeting with the supervisor.

Background Checks:

The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting including FBI, drug screening, Metropolitan Police Clearance, and CFSA.

Direct Reports:

None

Indirect Reports:

None

Specific Requirements:

Must have own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. The vehicle must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.), and the employee must have a valid driver's license.

Other Details:

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.
• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $58,117 – $61,656 annually. Depending on the position, the starting hourly pay rate or annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate’s starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements, and current completed education, credentials and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation. Before moving forward in the selection process, interested applicants are encouraged to discuss starting pay eligibility with the Human Resources (Talent) Department.
• Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 14 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more! (Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees).
• COVID-19: Effective September 19, 2021, the District of Columbia (DC) mandates COVID-19 vaccination for government employees, contractors, interns, and grantees. As a DC government contractor, we comply with this mandate by ensuring that all employees are in compliance with being vaccinated or have an approved exemption. If you would like to proceed with completing an employment application, it is with the understanding that Friendship Place complies with the DC COVID-19 vaccine mandate. We appreciate your interest in joining the Friendship Place team.

Location: Washington, DC

• Interview Process: Phone screening, panel style interview, final interview.
• Website: www.friendshipplace.org

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement:

Friendship Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should apply via the organizational website unless otherwise directed. All of our current career openings can be found by visiting: https://friendshipplace.org/who-we-are/careers/