Outreach Worker

Odyssey House INC • New York, NY

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Since 1967, Odyssey House has been providing innovative services and programs to a broad population of individuals and families struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. Odyssey House helps New Yorkers of all ages—and across all five boroughs—beat drugs and alcohol with highly individualized treatment programs. Odyssey House provides high quality, holistic treatment impacting all major life spheres, including psychological, physical, social, family, educational and spiritual in order to support personal rehabilitation, renewal and family restoration. Peer Outreach Workers play a central role in Odyssey House’s Bronx Street Outreach Program, using lived experience to build trust, reduce harm, and connect individuals with lifesaving services. Working in high-need Bronx neighborhoods, Peer Outreach Workers provide compassionate, low-threshold support and linkages to treatment, housing, mental health, and other essential resources.

Requirements

• Must have lived experience with substance use, recovery, and/or harm reduction.
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential or CRPA-P is required.
• Strong skills in trauma-informed care, harm reduction practices, overdose prevention, and motivational interviewing are essential, along with the ability to engage clients with empathy and respect.
• Regular local travel required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in street outreach, harm reduction services, or peer navigation is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and benefits navigation is preferred.
• Bilingual ability is strongly valued.
• Valid NYS driver’s license strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage PWUD and community members in parks, encampments, transit hubs, shelters, and other high-need areas.
• Distribute naloxone, fentanyl/xylazine test strips, sterile supplies, first aid kits, hygiene kits, and other harm reduction materials.
• Provide overdose prevention education and train individuals and families in naloxone administration.
• Offer peer support, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed engagement strategies to build trust.
• Support clients with navigation of Medicaid, housing, benefits, and treatment referrals, including warm handoffs and accompaniment to appointments.
• Conduct field-based behavioral health screenings (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) and refer clients to appropriate providers.
• Maintain accurate outreach records and ensure timely documentation of encounters, referrals, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with community partners to expand access to harm reduction and treatment services
• Participate in ongoing training, group supervision, and reflective practice sessions.

Benefits

• A 35-hour work week (as opposed to a 40-hour work week)
• Vacation Plan and Holiday Schedule
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance (Two Plans)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Additional Insurance Coverages (hospitalization, accidental, critical illness coverage)
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account
• 403(b) Plan
• Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) EAP benefit
• Ability Assist Counseling Services (through The Hartford)
• Commuter Benefits
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Special shopping discounts through ADP Marketplace and PlumBenefits
• RUFit?! Fitness Program
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Assistance
• Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare
• Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees