ERT Peer Outreach Specialist
About The Position
One Day at a Time (UAC-ODAAT) operates a specialized outreach team known as the Encampment Resolution Team (ERT) which identifies, responds to, and resolves encampments using a social services-led process. Specifically, the role of the ERT is to establish relationships with those in the encampments, gain an understanding of their specific needs and goals, engage and connect them with services. The ERT will work to connect individuals to available housing resources, social service supports, as well as work with stakeholders to identify and leverage additional resources as needed. This scope provides an overview of the ERT, its role, composition, how it connects to the broader policy, as well as define and detail the scope of its primary engagement services. Employees in this job are responsible for engaging homeless persons, determining needs, offering services, and follow-up. Add, collate and account for individuals in the field in the identified and targeted encampment via appropriate social service/case management methodology. Under the direction of the ERT Outreach Coordinator, the Peer Outreach Specialist will respond to calls assigned by the Coordinator or Director of Outreach Services, Chief of Staff or designated OHS official regarding homeless persons on the street in Philadelphia. The incumbent will remain in constant contact with their team in order to appropriately assess, evaluate, refer and/or intake clients in the field or at ODAAT and provide clinical support for necessary services. The Specialist may also be required to provide and/or assist the DBH outreach team and its activity. NOTE: This is a full-time position expected to last through June 30, 2027.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- 1+ years of prior outreach and community work experience in the field and/or related field preferred
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Ability to manage time and respond to deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Able to set and observe appropriate boundaries with clients
- Possess well-developed decision-making skills and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
- Ability to excel in a diverse, collaborative team environment
- Possess a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential Homeless Alliance, client, donor, and employee information and situations
- Able to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations
- Possess ability to understand various Homeless operations and procedures
- Able to maintain a professional, customer service-oriented attitude at all times
- Ability to meet face-to-face with homeless individuals of diverse backgrounds and disabilities, including physical, mental, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, etc.
- Able to provide cultural competency, develop rapport, provide information, and refer with sensitivity
- Ability to work and communicate with staff, clients and their families, donors, vendors, community agencies, etc. to meet their needs in a polite, courteous and cooperative manner
- Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently
- Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision
- Ability to transport individuals as needed, and travel to various sites and locations daily
- Able to meet flexible work schedule including holidays, evenings and weekends (Wednesday through Sunday 10p-6a)
- Available on-call for emergencies by telephone and/or cell phone
- Adhere to all company policies related to the Driver’s Standard Operating Procedures
- Performs any other duties assigned
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required
Nice To Haves
- Proof of Insurance, preferred
- CADC certification Certified Peer Specialist preferred, or able to obtain
- Bilingual a plus
Responsibilities
- Respond to requests from the ERT Peer Outreach Specialist is to engage homeless persons at specified locations
- Engage homeless individuals in the community, assess needs, and offer appropriate services
- Be thoroughly familiar with Sidewalk Ordinance
- Work cooperatively with business owners, police, and concerned citizens to serve the needs of persons who are homeless
- Complete all required contact and reporting forms
- Assist with public, media and internet outreach with other staff and program volunteers to support intake into the programs and attendance at sponsored events
- Assist with planning and supporting socialization and outreach events
- Coordinate, schedule, and participate in daily street outreach team efforts
- Attend all mandated training activities
- Provide outreach programming under the Harm/Risk reduction and Trauma- informed service spectrum and ODAAT services to high-risk individuals
- Participate in agency-sponsored programming including locating and contacting new and existing clients weekly for scheduled events during assigned work hours
- Provide and complete client database entry, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of data entered
- Maintain accurate paper and computer files for all outreach contacts and correspondence related to contracts
- Participate in meetings to create outreach and promotional message for dissemination during program outreach and events
- Ability to organize time, prioritize assignments, including the ability to work flexible hours
- Will work in coordination with the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Outreach Teams and colleagues
- Adhere to all company policies related to the Driver’s Standard Operating Procedures
- Other duties as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
