Street Outreach Professional

About the role

This position is located in the Indianapolis metro area, pays $24/hr. and includes full benefits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct professional street outreach in assigned geographic areas across Indianapolis and Marion County to engage individuals experiencing homelessness and build trust-based relationships.
• Engage individuals living outdoors or in places not meant for human habitation, verify homelessness status as required, and assess immediate needs.
• Provide basic resources and material supports (e.g., food kits, water, hygiene items, blankets, clothing) to meet immediate needs and support engagement.
• Screen for and connect clients to appropriate services, including emergency shelter, housing resources, medical care, mental health services, substance use treatment, employment supports, and public benefits.
• Complete Coordinated Entry System (CES) training and conduct CES assessments in accordance with Continuum of Care guidelines to support housing placement.
• Provide generalist case management services in outreach and community-based settings, including goal setting, service planning, advocacy, and follow-up.
• Respond to and assist with crisis situations and emergencies in the field, using de-escalation techniques and coordinating with emergency responders or public safety partners when necessary.
• Aid clients with transportation arrangements, including providing or coordinating bus passes or rides to appointments and services as available.
• Support clients in securing identification documents and other documentation necessary for housing, employment, or benefits access.
• Follow up on outreach referrals from partner organizations, agencies, or contracted entities and coordinate with PBSO and other outreach teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with community partners, contracted entities, public safety staff, healthcare providers, and service organizations.
• Participate collaboratively in PBSO activities, meetings, and shared outreach coordination efforts.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of outreach contacts, services, assessments, and outcomes in HMIS and other required electronic systems.
• Track and document billable or contract-required hours and activities as applicable.
• Attend required trainings, certifications, community meetings, and partner convenings, including occasional co-facilitation of trainings or outreach coordination with partner entities.
• Accept responsibility for maintaining professional competency, ethical practice, and adherence to agency policies and PBSO standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support outreach operations and organizational goals.

Requirements

• None specified, but candidates should demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them contribute.
• Experience engaging with various populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, or related preferred.
• Skilled in engaging clients who may be experiencing mental health symptoms, substance use, trauma, or crisis.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collects, analyzes, and documents client data accurately and promptly. Maintains compliance with confidentiality standards and agency documentation requirements.
• Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend customers’ needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Plans and attends to details and pursues quality in accomplishing multiple tasks in an organized and timely fashion. Exhibits careful attention to detail and follow-through.
• Solid knowledge of G Suite, MS Office, databases, the internet, and case management systems.

Qualifications

• Comfortable navigating variable outdoor environments and working in all weather conditions.
• Able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and traverse varied terrain for extended periods.
• Able to lift approximately 25 pounds or more.

Skills

• Professional street outreach skills
• Collaborative relationship building
• Case management
• Crisis intervention
• Transportation assistance
• Client support
• Documentation and reporting
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organizational aptitude
• Technical proficiency (G Suite, MS Office, databases)

Benefits

• Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sabbatical and parental leaves
• Life, dental and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement planning options with generous company % match
• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program