Community Ambassador

About the role

GLIDE is a leader in social justice, dedicated to ending poverty and transforming lives. Services include advocacy, support, and a community focused on helping people achieve stability and thrive. We address issues like poverty, homelessness, and social justice to create an inclusive, loving community.

Position Summary

As a Cecil Williams Community Ambassador, you will join a dynamic team in the vibrant Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Your role includes engaging with residents, businesses, landlords, and visitors, offering information and assistance, and representing GLIDE’s mission, vision, and values.

Essential Functions

• Engage with housed and unhoused residents, businesses, landlords, visitors, and SRO facilities with a friendly and de-escalatory demeanor, demonstrating empathy, kindness, and GLIDE’s values.
• Refer individuals to resources, services, and amenities, fostering a sense of community and connection.
• Offer directions and guidance to individuals seeking assistance or information, showing patience, understanding, and a willingness to help.
• Monitor street activity and address safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or illegal activities, coordinating with local authorities, partner organizations, and GLIDE programs.
• Participate in cleaning and maintenance activities such as picking up litter, sweeping sidewalks, and removing graffiti, enhancing the appearance and sanitation of public spaces.
• Administer first aid, including CPR and Narcan, following established protocols and procedures, with compassion and a commitment to saving lives.
• Distribute educational materials and assistive resources related to public health, safety, and community development initiatives, empowering individuals to make positive choices.
• Collaborate with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to support neighborhood improvement projects and initiatives, fostering unity and collective responsibility.
• Attend community outreach and engagement events to promote positive interactions and build relationships with residents and stakeholders, cultivating a sense of belonging and inclusion.
• Maintain accurate records of observations, engagements, referrals, connections, and outreach activities, with integrity and attention to detail.
• Attend regular meetings and training sessions to stay informed about neighborhood developments, resources, and best practices, embodying GLIDE’s values.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in community outreach, case management, social services, or related fields.
• Tenderloin Familiarity: Comfortable walking and working in the Tenderloin or similar urban environments.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse populations.
• De-escalation Skills: Experience handling conflict situations, such as calming an agitated person or diffusing a potential altercation.
• Tact and Diplomacy: Handle sensitive situations calmly and politely.
• Compassion: Care about people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental illness.
• Teamwork: Work well alone or with others in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving: Stay calm and think clearly in crisis situations.
• Flexibility: Willing to work different shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Physical Stamina: Able to stand and walk for long periods and work outdoors.
• CPR and First Aid: Certified or willing to get certified after hire.
• Narcan Training: Trained or willing to get trained to use Narcan.
• Driver's License: A valid California driver’s license and a good driving record are preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to walk far distances and stand for extended periods of time; 90-95% of work time is spent walking, standing, or otherwise on your feet.
• Work includes outdoor activities covering distances of five to seven miles per day.
• Capacity to bend, lift, and sustain standing and walking positions throughout the shift.
• Able to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs., maneuver carts, and set up mobile kiosk stations, tables, and/or canopies when necessary.
• Exposure to sunlight, dust, and varying temperatures and humidity levels.
• The job is physically and mentally demanding.
• Stamina and a high energy level are essential due to the amount of standing and walking required.

Pay and Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) Non-Exempt position. GLIDE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, people with lived experiences, differently abled people, and LGBT persons are strongly encouraged to apply. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.