Peer Outreach Worker

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. Employee in this job is responsible for engaging homeless persons, determining needs, offering relevant services, and delivering follow-up. Worker will offer support to the Outreach Director, Outreach Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator in responding to calls from individuals, businesses, agencies and police regarding homeless persons on the street in Philadelphia. The candidate will engage in peer related activity to encourage and motivate change for consumers.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Proficient in Microsoft Office software, including Excel
Strong writing, reading, comprehension and verbal communication skills
Bilingual a plus
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 work in a team-oriented environment
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.
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, yet appropriate assertiveness as situation may demand
Valid Driver’s license, required

Nice To Haves

At least, 1 year of prior outreach and community work experience in the field and/or related field preferred
Proof of Insurance, preferred
Proficiency operating a 15-passenger van and minivan, preferred

Responsibilities

Respond to requests from the OCC dispatcher 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
Support those enrolled in obtaining individualized goals through such as linkages with community resources and family members
Project a positive image of the organization and its programs to the community, and the clients served
Work cooperatively with business owners, police, and concerned citizens to serve the needs of persons who are homeless
Verify names of homeless persons encountered against focus list and advise dispatcher to contact ICM or assigned outreach team of changes in status of individual
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 outreach events
Coordinate, schedule, and participate in daily street outreach team efforts
Attend all mandated training activities
Participate in agency-sponsored programming including locating and contacting new and existing clients weekly for scheduled events during assigned work hours
Maintain accurate paper and computer files for all outreach contacts and correspondence related to contracts; complete all required contact and reporting forms
Adhere to all company policies related to the Driver’s Standard Operating Procedures
Other Duties as assigned