Street Outreach Specialist

About Outreach, Inc.

Outreach is a faith-based nonprofit organization in Indianapolis, IN, that serves youth experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to equip and empower youth (14 to 24 years of age) facing homelessness to achieve stability and life transformation.

What We Believe

We operate fundamentally through God’s grace. Our staff, volunteers and board members trust God for His direction and provision for the ministry. Although Outreach, Inc. is faith-based, we are not based upon any one denomination’s doctrine or theology. We welcome board members and staff of any Christian denomination and are comfortable with leaving space for differences of doctrine and theology.

Position Summary

The Street Outreach Specialist builds relationships with unsheltered youth and young adults (YYAs) and connects them to resources to prepare them for housing. The Specialist is responsible for engaging with identified individuals, receiving and providing information and referrals, completing assessments, intakes, and providing concrete services. This position is grant-funded through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHY) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel.

• Meet with YYAs (ages 14-24) who are experiencing homelessness. Use best practice approaches and screening to determine the needs of the young person and whether they are eligible for housing services
• Support clients as whole people by addressing challenges beyond housing specific concerns, including: positive and supportive connections, social-emotional wellbeing, education, employment, and access to healthcare
• Assist youth with transportation arrangements to facilitate access to emergency shelter and service-related appointments
• Complete the Coordinated Entry System Assessments to facilitate housing placement for clients according to guidelines established by the Continuum of Care (CoC) and verify individuals’ homelessness as necessary for housing eligibility purposes
• Coordinate with and follow guidelines of Professional Blended Street Outreach (PBSO) and only conduct street outreach with an assigned partner
• Communicate with clients in an empathetic and supportive way using a variety of communication methods including in person meetings, phone calls, text messages, email and social media
• Create, complete, and maintain accurate documentation in the Homeless Management Information System based on funding source requirements
• Assist in the development and implementation of annual Point In Time homeless count to ensure the count is comprehensive and accurate
• Attend weekly coordination meetings to facilitate the prioritization and navigation of clients with the highest need into permanent housing placements
• Maintain close communication with other outreach team members to provide “team approach” to ensure that all street homeless YYAs are being assisted and attend monthly PBSO meetings
• Work collaboratively with other community systems and organizations (child welfare, education, juvenile justice, Continuum of Care homeless services, community centers, legal services, etc.) to provide the best possible care of all youth and young adults facing housing crises

Outreach Staff Responsibilities

• Attend staff and department meetings, team trainings, 1-1 supervision with Program Director
• Participate in team and individual evaluations
• Participate in fundraiser and youth celebration events and other programs which further Outreach’s mission
• Participate in training opportunities as directed

Position Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of basic qualifications needed for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree (or higher) preferred in related field (social work, sociology, human services, psychology, public administration, child and family development, etc.), but not required

• Personal experience navigating homelessness and/or social service systems preferred
• 2 years of working directly with youth and young adults preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to creatively problem solve in collaboration with clients
• Ability to quickly build rapport with clients, creating a safe emotional and conversational space for all persons experiencing homelessness regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status and appearance
• Ability to effectively assess situations for safety, de-escalate as needed, and respond responsibly in a wide variety of situations and crises
• Ability to engage productively and proactively with YYAs and other community partners
• Understanding of how systems of structural and institutional oppression contribute to homelessness
• Enjoys working both independently and with a team
• Flexible and able to adapt to a changing environment
• Attention to detail with the ability to enter data and documentation completely and in a timely manner
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Must pass a criminal background check in accordance with Outreach’s operating protocol. Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license, maintain a safe driving record, and have access to reliable transportation.

Work Environment/Position Type

This position operates primarily in community settings, including outdoor locations where youth are staying. Ability to withstand extensive weather conditions due to outdoor work is essential, and ability to navigate physical demands such as walking, standing for prolonged periods, bending and stooping, and navigating a variety of terrains is essential. Weekly time in an office setting is also required. Time at partner agencies and meetings with clients in public and home-based locations may be required as determined in conjunction with supervisor. The individual is expected to maintain professional demeanor and contribute to an environment of courtesy, respect and enthusiasm.

This position is a non-exempt, full-time, salaried position. Generally, hours will be Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but will require the ability to be flexible in your schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends for a total of 40 hours per week. This position reports to the Director of Program Centers.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary range of $48,000 to $50,000, based on experience and qualifications. Competitive health/vision/dental package and paid life insurance, retirement contribution match, 3 weeks paid vacation, 16 paid holidays, paid sick days, and paid quarterly Spiritual Formation Days.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• By submitting this application, I confirm that the information provided is accurate, and I understand that any false statements may disqualify me from employment.

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,000 - $50,000