Street Outreach Professional- Horizon House

Street Outreach Professional

This position is located in the Indianapolis metro area, pays $24/hr. and includes full benefits (below). The shift needed is Saturday-Wednesday from 8 or 8:30 AM to 4:30 or 5 PM (Thursdays/Fridays off).

The Street Outreach Professional provides community-based outreach services to unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Indianapolis and Marion County. Working as part of the Professional Blended Street Outreach (PBSO) team, this role engages individuals living in places not meant for human habitation, builds rapport, assesses immediate needs, and connects neighbors to housing-focused and supportive services. This role works in pairs and collaborates closely with community partners, public agencies (INDOT), and contracted entities (such as transportation, downtown, or municipal partners) to ensure coordinated, ethical, and effective outreach services.

All services are delivered within a client-centered, strengths-based, harm reduction framework that prioritizes dignity, safety, and respect. This position reports to the Street Outreach Supervisor.

Please note that this is a grant-funded, at-will position. While this role is intended to be ongoing, its continuation is subject to the periodic renewal of grant resources.

Example Duties and Activities

• 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.
• Assist 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.

Required Competencies

• Degree and Credential Requirements- NONE! We value candidates who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them contribute. We believe in continuous learning and professional development.
• Industry Expertise
  - 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.
• Building Collaborative Relationships
  - Ability to establish trust and develop professional working relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness in diverse and non-traditional settings. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respects client autonomy and self-determination. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community partners, including outreach teams, public safety, hospitals, and service providers.
• Teamwork
  - Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Information Monitoring/Reporting
  -Collects, analyzes, and documents client data…