CHIP Indy

Position Supervises: None

Position Reports To: Streets to Home Team Lead

Position Summary: CHIP is seeking a skilled and dedicated person to help us achieve our mission of ending homelessness in Indianapolis by seamlessly linking individuals in the community to the Streets to Home Initiative. This position will provide client facing housing navigation to Streets to Home participants in coordination with the Streets to Home Director.

Essential 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 construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required under this role.

Client Engagement and Housing Navigation

• Working with an assigned partner, conduct professional street housing navigation: Engage unsheltered individuals, verify homelessness, assess needs, provide resources and services, including assisting with crisis management and connecting clients to additional services in the community.
• Communicate with clients in an empathetic and supportive way to inform them of their housing options and honor their perspective as they navigate case management and housing systems.
• Participate in locating clients, including contacting shelters, outreach personnel, and HMIS case management lists.
• Obtain vital documents to prepare clients for housing applications, including IDs, Driver’s Licenses, social security cards, birth certificates, paystubs, homelessness verifications, etc.
• Administer Coordinated Entry System assessments to facilitate housing placement for clients according to guidelines established by the Continuum of Care (CoC), including recording all required Coordinated Entry documentation. 
• Transport clients and their belongings using your personal vehicle, and arrange for rides to shelter, medical, mental health and employment related services and appointments.
• Assist clients in finding housing that fits their situation and needs, including assessing and addressing barriers to housing, applying for units, showing clients available units, and attending lease signings with clients. 
• Assist in completing required housing paperwork, and serve as a liaison between the program, client, case manager, and landlord to support housing stability throughout the program.

Collaborative Solution Finding

• Support the coordination of treatment planning and goal setting with clients within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Participate in community meetings that match individuals experiencing homelessness with housing opportunities. 
• Follow up on all referrals and coordinate with the outreach teams in the area as well as other providers to ensure continuity of care for clients.
• Participate in team and staff meetings to brainstorm, identify resources, and address issues faced by STH clients. 
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with community partners and work collaboratively to identify and improve service delivery process and procedures. Adhere to client confidentiality policies and procedures.

Data Entry

• Collect required documentation that supports client eligibility for housing programs.
• Ensure all data is entered accurately including interactions and contact attempts into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and provide regular reporting to supervisor. 
• Utilize HMIS to record outcomes necessary for program functioning and evaluation.

General

• Seek out opportunities for continuous improvement and implement process changes to increase effectiveness and/or efficiency in work activities. 
• Seek out professional development to keep up with the field of interest for your program. 
• Attend and contribute to regular team and staff meetings.
• Maintain current ‘how-to’ guides or standard operating procedures for your key job activities.
• Actively build and maintain positive working relationships with partner agencies and other external parties.
• Represent CHIP in external presentations, on committees, and at events and conferences.

Education &/or Experience

• Associate’s degree or higher preferred in related field (social work, sociology, human services, psychology, child and family development, etc..)
• 2 years’ experience navigating homelessness and/or social service systems
• CHIP will accept an equivalent combination of education, experience, and proven communication and facilitation skills - including time as a peer support specialist.
• Individuals with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• 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.
•  Understanding of how various systems in our society contribute to homelessness
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to a changing environment.
• Organization, detail orientation, and ability and to enter data and documentation completely and in a timely manner. 
• Persistence, resilience, and creativity in engaging with clients. 
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, and in using an electronic case management system.
• Valid drivers' license and driving record that would allow you to use the CHIP van to transport clients and their belongings. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge about social service and nonprofit organizations.

Work Culture & Environment

CHIP has a creative, dynamic team and is dedicated to attracting and fostering talented and diverse individuals who reflect the communities being served and the communities most impacted by homelessness. CHIP has adopted a flexible, hybrid work environment that includes remote, community-based, and in-office schedules. To further support staff and provide time for renewal and rest, CHIP closes the office twice a year for paid holidays- one week in July and one week in December.

This position requires work outdoors with extensive exposure to weather conditions. It requires extensive physical demands, including walking and standing for prolonged periods, bending and stooping, and navigating a variety of terrains. This position requires the ability to lift objects weighing 25 pounds or more.

This is a full-time, salaried position that works 37.5 hours per week. Workdays will vary depending on the needs in the field, and this position requires the ability to be flexible in your schedule, including early mornings or evenings. The Streets to Home Director will work with you to plan as far ahead as feasible regarding scheduling needs.

Must pass a criminal background check in accordance with CHIP Indy’s operating protocol. Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license, car insurance, and have access to reliable transportation.

Compensation

Pay Range: Starting at $48,000 for candidates who meet the minimum requirements in the posting.

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-term disability; 401(k) match; a minimum of 12 paid holidays; and 20 days Paid Time Off (PTO).