Outreach Ambassador

Allied Universal®, North America’s leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you will be part of a team that contributes to a culture positively impacting the communities and customers we serve.

About the role

The Downtown Ambassador program ensures a memorable and welcoming experience for everyone visiting our vibrant city center. Outreach Ambassadors provide specialized homeless outreach throughout Downtown Orlando (DTO), offering direct on-the-street connections for our most vulnerable individuals and linking them to critical social services. The goal is to respond compassionately by developing relationships with residents through frequent outreach and supporting their participation in activities that provide behavioral health care, housing options, and more.

Responsibilities

• Circulate through the CRA Area to locate and identify those in need, including the homeless.
• Direct the homeless and others in need of social services to available services and agencies.
• Build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, establishing trust and rapport, identifying their needs, and connecting them with appropriate services and resources.
• Conduct outreach by going into the community to identify individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with information and assistance, and linking them to services and resources.
• Provide case management, working with individuals to create and implement plans for achieving housing stability, connecting them with appropriate services, and providing ongoing support and follow-up.
• Coordinate with other organizations and agencies, such as housing providers, healthcare providers, and social service providers, to provide coordinated assistance.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of outreach activities, case management efforts, and outcomes.
• Deliver or distribute information or supplies provided by the CRA to populations in need, such as pandemic information and personal care items.
• Maintain good working relationships and communication lines with community partners and stakeholders in the CRA Area who are assisting the homeless.
• Capture reporting metrics related to activities as directed by the CRA, including tracking information through HMIS (Homeless Management Information Services), as available and authorized.
• Gain an understanding of best practices on engagement strategies, diversion conversations, and understanding when and how to complete a VI-SPDAT.
• Document observed unwanted behaviors and activities while on patrol and report them to Safety Ambassadors or Orlando Police Department as appropriate.
• Participate in meetings and trainings with other outreach workers, organizations, and agencies, as well as attending trainings to stay current on best practices.
• Provide other services as assigned, incidental to the primary role of providing homeless outreach services, including any services generally provided by the Safety Ambassadors.

Requirements

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or 5 years of verifiable work experience.
• Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment.
• A valid driver’s license will be required for driving positions only.
• Experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, various addiction challenges, mental illness, and/or dual diagnosis, preferably one (1) or more years.
• Working knowledge of area geography and major downtown destinations, including government offices, community venues, stadiums, arenas, as well as popular restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
• Able to employ appropriate de-escalation techniques calmly and sensitively.
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to coordinate and/or direct a variety of complex tasks and assignments simultaneously and successfully.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make sensible decisions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and a willingness to develop an understanding of individual circumstances and needs.
• Able to gain expert-level familiarity and comply with the CoC policies and procedures.
• Flexibility to work different schedules, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.
• Basic knowledge of first aid and local resources for healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
• Commitment to helping people move off the streets as quickly as possible by connecting them with community services.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience of homelessness.
• Ability to ride a bike.
• Proficiency with mobile technologies and smart devices.

Pay

$18.00 / hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Enrollment in our company’s 401(k) plan, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Seven holidays annually paid at time and a half, if worked.
• 40 hours of vacation after one year of employment at eligible work assignments. Unused vacation is only paid out where required by law.

Applicants must be able to walk for long distances, be proficient with computers, and have a professional demeanor.