ERT Peer Outreach Specialist

GREATER PHILADELPHIA URBAN AFFAIRS•Philadelphia, PA

7d•$0 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

One Day At A Time (ODAAT) is a partner of the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC). ODAAT houses men and women who are afflicted by addiction and homelessness. Case management services and prevention for HIV/AIDS is also offered at select locations. Through our holistic array of services ODAAT, consumers can expect the support of ODAAT staff to bring systems together to help achieve positive outcomes. Staff offer support in the following areas: recovery coaching and mentoring, linkage to health and social services, transitional housing, and community outreach. 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.

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 a flexible work schedule including holidays, evenings and weekends. Available on-call for emergencies by telephone and/or cell phone
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, required

Nice To Haves

Proof of Insurance, preferred
Bilingual a plus

Responsibilities

Respond to requests from the ERT Coordinator and/or Peer Outreach Coordinator to engage homeless persons at specified locations
Follow-up on unresolved response calls using digital response forms
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
Check names of homeless persons encountered against focus list and advise dispatcher to contact ICM or assigned outreach team of changes in status of individual
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