Street Outreach Coordinator

Heartland Alliance Health•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Heartland Alliance Health’s (HAH) mission is to transform healthcare for the most vulnerable – particularly people experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addictions, or struggling with The Street Outreach Coordinator (Community Health Worker – Outreach & Registration Focus) is responsible for engaging individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations through consistent street and site-based outreach. This role builds trust, reduces barriers to care, and connects participants to healthcare, social services, and supportive resources. This position supports outreach efforts across multiple locations including shelters, encampments, drop-in centers, and community sites. The Street Outreach Coordinator also plays a key role in supporting clinical access by assisting with participant registration in the Agency EHR system, verifying insurance coverage, and documenting outreach encounters and service coordination activities in accordance with confidentiality and organizational standards.

Requirements

High School Diploma required (associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Public Health, or related field preferred), or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, substance use disorder, refugees, or individuals with complex medical and social needs.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
Ability to work independently in the community and across diverse environments.
Ability to work with vulnerable populations in a non-judgmental, trauma-informed manner.
Knowledge of local community resources, healthcare systems, and social service systems.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office) and comfort using electronic systems for documentation and tracking.
Ability to document accurately and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to travel between sites and conduct outreach in community settings.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Communication: Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with participants and partners.
Problem Solving: Identifies barriers and works toward solutions using available resources.
Professionalism: Maintains a calm and respectful approach, even under pressure.
Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes tasks, manages time well, and follows through on responsibilities.
Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction, and takes responsibility for actions.
Ethics/Confidentiality: Treats participants with respect and maintains confidentiality standards.
Safety & Security: Uses good judgment during outreach and follows safety procedures and protocols.

Nice To Haves

Experience in outreach, community engagement, peer support, care navigation, or case coordination strongly preferred.
Proficiency in a specific language may be required based on program needs.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular outreach in shelters, encampments, drop-in centers, and public spaces to identify and engage individuals in need of services.
Build rapport and trust with participants through consistent, respectful, trauma-informed, and compassionate interactions.
Engage individuals who may not be connected to care, are referred for services, or are seeking care through emergency departments or other community settings.
Provide ongoing support, encouragement, and follow-up to promote engagement in healthcare and supportive services.
Provide case coordination and referrals to available services including healthcare, housing resources, food assistance, employment programs, and other community-based supports.
Assess participant needs and connect individuals to appropriate internal and external resources.
Assist participants with completing applications for benefits, housing programs, and other services as needed.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners to support continuity of care and address social determinants of health.
Participate in daily huddles to identify participants requiring additional support and coordinate follow-up actions.
Support participant access to care by completing registration and/or check-in tasks in the agency EHR system as needed.
Verify and update participant demographic information, insurance coverage, and eligibility when applicable.
Assist with ensuring accurate documentation related to outreach encounters, referrals, and service coordination in the agency EHR system.
Maintain accurate and timely records of participant interactions and referrals in compliance with confidentiality and organizational standards.
Coordinate access to medical care including scheduling appointments and supporting appointment readiness.
Facilitate transportation support for participants as appropriate, which may include arranging transportation or accompanying participants to appointments when needed and approved.
When required and in accordance with organizational policy, may assist with transporting participants to healthcare appointments or service locations.
Track and maintain outreach activities, participant progress, and outcomes using designated systems
Maintain a caseload of participants as required by program needs and/or grant stipulations.
Prepare reports and summaries as needed for program evaluation, performance improvement, and funding requirements.
Participate in community meetings, partner collaborations, and advocacy efforts to strengthen systems of care.
Work across multiple sites and programs as assigned based on operational needs.
Performs other duties as assigned.