Downtown HEART Ambassador bei City of Spartanburg, SC

About the Department

The Downtown HEART Ambassador is a temporary part-time position housed in A Place To Call Home division, working closely with the Homeless engagement Specialist and Community Resource Coordinator, in providing street outreach.  The HEART Ambassador will be a downtown resource and presence to triage and make referrals to homeless services.  The position is expected to work for one year.

Position Duties

• Outreach and relationship building with individuals who are experiencing homelessness on the streets and in places not meant for human habitation, encampments, soup kitchen, libraries and other areas where the homeless individuals populate.
• Partner with the HEART Team and other community providers to help with the barriers for housing (e.g.: identification needs, medical attention, legal issues, income, life skills, etc.) and provide supportive services utilizing resources to support participants in the development of a housing plan.
• Assess and counsel participants through interviews and provide resources/resolutions for those experiencing crisis situations with emotional, health, social, financial or other issues.
• Conduct assessments and apply appropriate treatment process using evidence-based practices, which would include motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and harm reduction.
• Using person-centered and strengths-based method for case management plan and implementation for the participant.
• Ability to work independently and successfully balance time with the participants as well as time to perform and documentation requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry information and maintenance in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as well as Charity Tracker.  
• Complete annual training requirement for HMIS and Charity Tracker
• Maintaining accurate, confidential, professional and current documentation of all participant services.  This will be done electronically as well as a hard copy.  All hard copy documentation will be kept in a secure locked file.
• Complete IRS VITA training at the advanced level and complete and file client taxes as needed during tax season   
• Participate and collaborate in staff and community meetings to include the Cherokee, Union, and Spartanburg (CUS) monthly meetings, Safety Net meetings, Case Conferencing meetings, and the Homeless Task Force.  Any meetings deemed necessary that are comprised of homeless service providers.
• Perform job duties on a flexible schedule and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology or related human service related strongly preferred.
Prefer two years of experience working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, mental illness and addiction.
Ability to work in diverse settings and provide culturally competent services.
Ability to provide trauma informed services utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction techniques.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Knowledge of working with HMIS and Charity Tracker and technologically adept.
Valid driver's license.
Pass a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check is required.