Network of Neighbors Engagement Specialist

Engagement Specialist

The Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services' Trauma Response and Emergency Preparedness (TREP) unit works to plan and prepare for emergencies; responds to traumatic and overwhelming stressful circumstances, educates the public and staff regarding emergency preparedness and trauma-informed approaches, coordinates behavioral health emergency responses and long-term recovery efforts, and develops tools and identifies resources to support the overall preparedness and resiliency to various communities in the City of Philadelphia.

Candidates for this position should possess a strong desire to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, professional public health environment. The successful candidate for Engagement Specialist position will be primarily responsible for assisting with growing and shaping the DBHIDS trauma response program, the Network of Neighbors (NON) through continued outreach and engagement efforts within their specified community/region. This position requires flexibility with scheduling and the ability to work beyond the standard workday including weekends and strong affiliation/familiarity with Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Network of Neighbors is a network of trained individuals who are called on to support communities throughout the City of Philadelphia after violent, and often traumatic incidents, and to support communities experiencing ongoing overwhelming stressful situations/circumstances. Network of Neighbors provides a safe space and facilitates structured conversations for the impacted community to discuss their reactions to the traumatic incident or ongoing stressful circumstances utilizing evidence-informed and trauma-informed approaches. The Engagement Specialist position is also expected to support the Trauma Response and Emergency Preparedness unit by assisting in a supportive capacity with responses to disasters or other emergency incidents that may arise.

This is a grant-funded position. Additional funding will be sought to extend the position, but funding cannot be guaranteed. Listed salary range is demonstrative of growth within the specified EP level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform outreach and engagement within assigned region(s)
• Attend community events, meetings, and tabling as requested
• Participate in evidence-informed Post Traumatic Stress Management (PTSM)/Psychological First Aid (PFA) Trainings to facilitate responses to traumatic incidents and highly overwhelming and ongoing stressful situations in communities
• Assist Network of Neighbors staff with facilitation of PTSM/PFA interventions
• Work with Response Planner to organize and triage community response request
• Participate in recruiting efforts to build Community Trauma Responders in identified regions
• Assist with supporting Trauma Responder cluster meetings
• Assist with supporting other Network of Neighbors teams in various regions as needed
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders from local, state and federal government as well as community-based organizations, non-profit organizations and private entities
• Support Network staff with processing requests for assistance
• Travel extensively throughout Philadelphia County for meetings, responses, and to support training efforts and transport of materials
• Assist with organizing trainings and presentations related to the TREP and Network of Neighbors
• Assist with developing the Network's presence in the community via advertising, email listserv of community contacts, social media, attending community meetings, etc., and networking
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Skills Required:

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Ability to listen and work with diverse communities
• Ability to work independently on projects and demonstrate initiative
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and take direction from team members
• Ability to perform other tasks assigned to support the functioning of the team
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups toward a common goal
• Flexibility to handle various tasks and support team members as needed
• Ability to remain calm and present during stressful and traumatic situations
• Strong self-awareness about personal stressors and limitations
• Ability to contribute and coordinate work within a small team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma with at least three (3) years of experience in public health, social work, or a related field preferred
• Strong familiarity with the Philadelphia geographic area and working with communities is required

Physical Demands:

• Regularly requires walking, standing, stooping, bending, sitting, reaching, pushing, pulling and/or repetitive wrist/hand movements for various lengths of time throughout the day
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs.
• Requires continuous, normal hearing and vision to exchange information
• Regularly works inside in areas that are adequately lighted and ventilated. Some fluctuation in temperature. No protective equipment routinely needed
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment
• Ability to travel on public transportation as needed
• Must be able to adapt to continuous changes/demands of the job

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
• Must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance and vehicle
• Ability to utilize computers and office equipment to complete daily work responsibilities.
• Sitting or standing for a minimum of two (2) hours

Equal Opportunity Employment:

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the law.