What are the responsibilities and job description for the Street Outreach Engagement Specialist position at HONORehg?
Job description:
Under the general supervision of the Director of SOS Team, the Street Outreach Engagement Specialist conducts outreach via van or foot patrol to identify, engage, and assist individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout Dutchess County, including those residing in encampments, abandoned structures, or other non-habitable locations.
Core responsibilities include outreach attempts, engagement and assessment, enrollment activities, crisis intervention, provision of immediate basic needs, facilitation of access to emergency shelter and transportation, coordination of service referrals, and supported transitions to housing and community-based services. The role may involve working with individuals impacted by serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.
This position functions as part of a multidisciplinary, interagency network and requires schedule flexibility based on outreach needs and emergency response.
Schedule and Location
This is a full-time, field-based position serving Dutchess County, reporting out of the Poughkeepsie office. The regular weekly schedule is:
- Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The role requires flexibility for periodic weekend coverage and occasional adjustments to weekday hours based on program needs, client support, and emergency response (including Code Blue activations).
Qualifications for the Position
- Must have and maintain a valid New York State driver’s license
- Bachelor’s Degree in a human services-related field preferred but not required; Associate’s Degree with 2–3 years of human services experience; minimum High School Diploma or GED required
- Demonstrated experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness
- Ability to work outdoors, in high-risk environments, and in crisis situations
- Ability to work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile individuals
- Strong documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
- Bilingual preferred but not required
- Experience with motivational interviewing or crisis intervention a plus
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct street outreach to homeless adults and families and assess needs related to housing, safety, and wellness
- Build rapport and establish trusting relationships through consistent, compassionate, and nonjudgmental engagement
- Provide navigation services including assistance with identification, benefits, housing applications, and transportation to appointments
- Facilitate referrals and coordinated transitions to shelter, housing providers, and community-based services
- Provide crisis intervention and immediate basic needs support such as food, clothing, and toiletries
- Complete HMIS intake, Coordinated Entry documentation, and maintain accurate outreach records
- Collaborate with law enforcement, hospitals, service providers, and community partners throughout Dutchess County
- Participate in outreach team meetings, case conferencing, and interagency coordination
- Participate in Code Blue outreach and annual Point-in-Time Count
- Attend required supervision, training, and agency meetings
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all agency and regulatory policies
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This is a full-time, field-based role that involves outreach throughout Dutchess County, including outdoor work in various weather conditions. Are you comfortable with this type of work?
- This role involves working with individuals experiencing homelessness and may include engagement with people impacted by mental health challenges, substance use, or crisis situations. Please briefly describe any professional, volunteer, or lived experience you have working in these settings. If you do not have direct experience, feel free to share your interest in this type of work.
- This position follows a set weekly schedule (Monday and Tuesday 12:00 PM–8:00 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) and requires flexibility for occasional weekend coverage and schedule adjustments. Are you able to meet these scheduling requirements?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25