Are you deeply concerned about the issue of homelessness in our area? Do you possess a genuine passion for forming meaningful connections with individuals? Are you eager to engage with and support our unhoused neighbors? If so, we invite you to become a vital member of our Outreach Team as a Housing Access Coordinator.
Our Outreach Team operates within a dynamic, community-focused organization. We are in search of a compassionate individual who thrives on building genuine relationships and serves as a steadfast advocate for our community. As a Housing Access Coordinator, you will navigate various sites, including the encampments, the Community Kitchen and Refresh, and other areas spanning across Ottawa County.
This role requires adaptability, adept problem-solving abilities, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Your primary objective will be to utilize your expertise to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with vital resources, all with the overarching goal of finding stable housing solutions for our houseless neighbors.
Start Date: July 2026
Responsibilities & Essential Duties
Locate and build relationships with clients experiencing homelessness throughout Ottawa county; identify their barriers and make appropriate referrals to local resources
Engage people experiencing homelessness in Holland at established “inreach” and “outreach” service locations such as the library, Community Kitchen, Refresh, and throughout the community.
Operate agency vehicles to provide street outreach, transport supplies, and assist guests with access to services, appointments, shelter, and housing resources while maintaining safe driving practices and compliance with agency vehicle policies.
Conduct street outreach and engagement activities in a variety of community settings, including encampments, wooded areas, shelters, and public spaces, requiring the ability to walk on uneven terrain, hike through outdoor environments, and work in varying weather conditions while building rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Provide case management services to clientele including: relationship building, assessment, engagement (goal setting in the areas of obtaining housing and other community resources), advocacy (collaboration with service providers and references for housing) and termination
Assist clients with a variety of tasks including applying for benefits from local, state, and federal agencies and locating appropriate resources
Carefully listening to client stories with the ability to both empathize as well as search for solutions to potentially ambiguous underlying issues
Create and maintain relationships with local service providers to obtain program referrals and to collaborate effectively when working with shared clientele
Maintain timely and accurate program and client records across multiple required platforms.
Works collaboratively with a cross functional team to ensure highest client service and to ensure programming efficiently and effectively helps our guests build skills to achieve a stable and prosperous life.
Update and learn about new community, local, state, and federal resources that may benefit our guests, as they become available.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Work experience or education in social services preferred.
Ability to work independently and without direct supervision. Ability to handle a variety of constituencies, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex environment with multiple priorities.
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
Strong communication skills with a variety of guests, community members and collaborative agency team members.
Strong active listening skills and ability to offer empathy.
Integrity, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and self-directedness. Strong in critical thinking & problem solving
Suicide Prevention, and Deescaltion technicques and skilled in conflict resolution and crisis management preferred
A team player with a flexible and creative approach within a friendly, yet demanding, work environment
Creativity in developing new and innovative approaches to challenges with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
Comfort with technology and database entry and management with Experience in recording case notes and database management preferred. Working knowledge of Google applications and platforms.
Self-reflective, humble, and able to compassionately engage and process with coworkers and diverse populations with a history of trauma.
Knowledge of the lived experience, systems-level barriers to housing, and resources available to houseless neighbors, preferred.
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
Willingness and interest in continuous learning and adaptation based on your professional interests and organizational needs.
A high standard of performance and integrity, and ability to lead by example to foster a positive workplace culture.
Proficiency in clear and effective written and verbal communication, and ability to develop trusting professional relationships.
Demonstrate a genuine passion for our mission and a commitment to upholding our team’s values: Radically Welcoming, Guest-Centered, Lead with Kindness, Curiosity-Driven, Always Improving, Collaborative by Design, Contagious Commitment, & One Team.
Education & Experience
1+ years of relevant experience required
High School Diploma required. Some college preferred.; or in place of a degree, equivalent years of experience
Valid driver’s license in good standing is required
No supervisory experience required
Bilingual Spanish proficiency preferred
Position Details
Position Type: Full-time Regular
Overtime Status: Non-exempt
Reports To: Assistant Manager, Housing Access
Direct Reports: none
Department: Housing Access
Primary Location: Food Club & Opportunity Hub
Supervision Received: General Direction: Receives broad guidance and direction and has some autonomy in decision-making and flexibility in determining how to achieve goals. Supervisor provides support and resources as needed but may not be directly involved in day-to-day decision making or task assignments.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None: Does not have formal people leading (supervisory) responsibilities.
Physical Requirements
Continuously use eyesight clarity/accuracy or visual perception
Continuously read and understand written word
Continuously engage in real-time verbal communication in English
Continuously move about work area
Frequently reach with hands and arms
Frequently drive a vehicle for work
Frequently operate computer and general office machines
Frequently work outside in variable weather conditions
Frequently work in stationary position
Occasionally ascend/descend (stairs/ladder/etc.)
Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Occasionally ability to push, pull, and lift up to 20 pounds
Other Factors
Access to consistent and reliable transportation
Ability to hike to outdoor encampments in variable weather conditions
Evening hours occasionally, on an as-needed basis
