Peer Outreach Worker

Odyssey House INC • New York, NY

20d

About The Position

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 is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• 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.

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, and 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, wound care 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees