Outreach Specialist - 4810

BronxWorks • New York, NY

80d

About The Position

BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community. In all aspects of our work, we strive for the highest ethical and performance standards and are guided by the belief that people are to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their present situation or past experiences. Across our 60+ locations, we provide programs in a variety of service areas, including workforce development, children, youth, families, seniors and homeless prevention. Safe Options Support (SOS) teams address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness on the street and in public transit locations. This is done by offering direct linkages to services that address their immediate needs, including transitional housing placement, connection to medical and mental health care, and access to benefits. Additionally, SOS provides support during the period of transition from street homelessness to stable housing. SOS Teams are comprised of licensed behavioral health clinicians, registered nurses, care managers, and peer specialists. This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Governor’s newly launched, innovative Safe Options Support (SOS) program, which will provide comprehensive care to street homeless or subway dwelling individuals. The Peer Specialist’s role will involve community outreach on the streets and subways, coordinating participants needs before and after their move from street to home, enhancing their daily living skills, accompaniment to appointments, and advocating on their behalf when faced with discrimination or healthcare inequities. The SOS teams will continue to follow participants for several months after housing placement to ensure their stability, independence, and wellbeing in their new community. On job training and regular learning collaboratives will be available to enhance the Peer Specialist’s professional development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• New York State Certified Peer Specialist preferred; comparable training in peer advocacy required
• Prior experience working with homeless and/or precariously housed populations preferred, but not required
• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license which has been held for at least 1 year; in the last 3 years, candidate must have obtained no more than 3 license violation points
• Bilingual/multilingual preferred, but not required
• Proficiency with computers, common office equipment, and basic typing skills
• Strong interpersonal communication

Responsibilities

• Participate in persistent and assertive community outreach and engagement on the streets and subways as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Engage and build rapport with chronically street homeless individuals in the Bronx; develop goals and service plans that help them improve their daily living skills
• Drive agency vehicles for mobile outreach work and to transport clients
• Support licensed clinicians with mobile medical outreach
• Maintain familiarity with social services and resources available within the agency and in the community
• Provide referrals and direct assistance to support clients in accessing mental health services, medical care, substance treatment, vital documents, benefits, legal/immigration services, and permanent housing
• Document all interactions with or on behalf of clients; monitor and document client progress toward service plan goals
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities
• Providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees