Street Outreach Professional

Department:     Programs

Reports to:        Street Outreach Manager

Status:                *Salaried, Temporary, Full-time, Exempt

***$1,000 sign-on bonus available***

***This temporary, full-time Street Outreach Professional position is 100% funded through a contract between Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) and Horizon House with an end date of December 31, 2024.  As such, this position is dependent on execution and renewal of said agreement, and termination or nonrenewal of the agreement or the securing of alternate funding will result in termination of the Street Outreach Professional - DII position***

Position Objective:

The Street Outreach Professional position is accountable to the client, Horizon House, Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII), and the Professional Blended Street Outreach (PBSO) Team. Accountability occurs within the context of ethical standards, organizational policies and procedures related to the delivery of service, PBSO standards of practice, and the written agreement between Horizon House and DII.

*This Street Outreach Professional position is 100% funded through a contract between Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) and Horizon House.  As such, this position is dependent on execution and renewal of said agreement, and termination or nonrenewal of the agreement will result in termination of the Street Outreach Professional - DII position.

Requirements:

Training/Education:

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours
• High School Diploma
• Previous work experience (1-2 years) in homeless services preferred
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Experience/Skills:

• Ability to establish rapport and develop professional working relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness in environmental settings
• Effective problem-solving and de-escalation skills
• Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect clients' self-determination
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with referral sources and other community partners
• Knowledgeable of community resources, or the ability to quickly learn and utilize resources
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, and the ability to quickly become proficient in using an electronic case management system

Special Requirements:

• MUST HAVE a valid Indiana operator’s license in good standing and proof of state-required auto insurance. Utilization of personal vehicle for travel within the community may be required. Approved mileage is paid at current IRS reimbursement rate.

Essential Functions:

• Working with an assigned partner, conduct professional street outreach within the Indianapolis Downtown Mile Square to engage unsheltered individuals, verify homelessness, assess needs, provide resources and services, including assisting with crisis management, and connect clients to additional services in the community.
• Complete the Coordinated Entry System Assessments to facilitate housing placement for clients according to guidelines established by the Continuum of Care (CoC).
• Assist clients with transportation arrangements, including the provision of bus passes as available, to shelter, medical, mental health and employment related services and appointments.
• Support the coordination of treatment planning and goal setting with clients within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Follow-up on DII referrals and coordinate with the other outreach teams in the area as well as other providers to ensure continuity of care for clients.
• Establish and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with DII and their partners including Street Ambassadors and IMPD Downtown District officers/staff.

General Responsibilities:

• Support individuals experiencing homelessness through direct client contacts, advocacy and empowerment, and collaboration and coordination of services with community providers, including public safety and local hospital staff.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with community partners and work collaboratively to identify and improve service delivery processes and procedures.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and adhere to client confidentiality policies and procedures; and, utilize the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to record outcomes necessary for program functioning and evaluation.
• Attend select community meetings and trainings necessary to fulfill project goals.
• Accept responsibility for professional competency as appropriate to their discipline.

The preceding essential function statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks & functions for this position.  Additional tasks & functions may be assigned as needed to fulfill the mission, vision & goals of the organization.

Contacts and Liaisons:

The Street Outreach Professional DII will regularly communicate with Horizon House employees, outside vendors and other individuals as deemed necessary in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Horizon House is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity & inclusion in the workplace. We encourage qualified applicants to apply for open positions regardless of their race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or criminal background.