Peer Outreach Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Urban Affairs Coalition/One Day At A Time

POSITION: Peer Outreach Worker ( Part -Time, up to 25 hours per week)

DEPARTMENT: ODAAT/DBH Street Outreach

REPORTS TO: Outreach Program Manager (OPM)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

PRIMARY 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required;
• At least, 1 year of prior outreach and community work experience in the field and/or related field preferred;
• 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;
• Able to meet a flexible work schedule including holidays, evenings and weekends.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Driver’s license, required.
• Proof of Insurance, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to drive or ride in a moving vehicle for no less than 3 hours per day
• Proficiency operating a 15-passenger van and minivan, preferred
• Ability to operate15-passenger van and minivan in various weather and road conditions
• Able to lift/move weight up to 40 lbs.
• Visual acuity to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently
• Must be able to sit for 2 or more hours per day
• Must be able to stand for 2 or more hours per day
• Must be able to operate a computer/hand-held digital device for more than 2 hours per day

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee will work in an office and public, service-delivery environment. Hectic situations can occur in the public area of the facility and in the city streets characteristic to working with the homeless community and the related concerns and situations related to homeless conditions. Potential exists for volatile and unpredictable situations to occur. May experience exposure to strong odors such as soiled clothes and poor hygiene. The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

The candidate for this position may be subject to any of the following screenings as part of the pre-employment process: Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), PA Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, FBI fingerprint, and drug/alcohol screen.

Interested applicants should include their cover letter and resume.

(Telephone calls will not be accepted)

UAC/ODAAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer