Outreach Certified Peer-Mobile Grocery

Overview of Primary Responsibilities

The Certified Outreach Peer Specialist – Mobile Grocery is a field-based position responsible for operating and coordinating Access: Supports for Living’s Mobile Grocery & Integrated Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Engagement Initiative. This innovative community outreach model combines food access, HRSN screening, behavioral health engagement, and Social Care Network (SCN) referral coordination into a mobile service platform serving high-need communities across Ulster, Sullivan, and Dutchess Counties. The Specialist serves as the primary operator of the mobile engagement vehicle while building trusting relationships with community members, conducting screenings, coordinating referrals through Unite Us, supporting food distribution logistics, and facilitating access to behavioral health and social care services. The position plays a critical role in expanding engagement with underserved Medicaid populations and strengthening regional SCN infrastructure.

Primary Functions

• Mobile Operations & Food Distribution
• Operate and maintain the Mobile Grocery & HRSN Engagement vehicle safely and professionally.
• Cookout transportation, routing, scheduling, and setup at designated community locations.
• Distribute fresh, shelf-stable, and culturally appropriate food items in a respectful and person-centered manner.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, inventory management, and vehicle safety standards.
• Aid with loading, unloading, stocking, and organizing food inventory and supplies.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and communicate maintenance needs promptly.
• HRSN Screening & Referral Coordination
• Conduct Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) screenings using approved screening tools.
• Enter screening data and referrals into Unite Us and related systems in real time.
• Aid individuals in accessing community resources including food assistance, housing supports, transportation, healthcare, and behavioral health services.
• Coordinate follow-up and referral tracking to improve engagement and referral completion rates.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data collection consistent with SCN reporting requirements.
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Build trusting relationships with individuals, families, and community partners.
• Collaborate with schools, community centers, food pantries, senior centers, shelters, faith-based organizations, and healthcare partners.
• Promote services through outreach activities, presentations, and community events.
• Support community-based engagement efforts focused on underserved and hard-to-reach populations.
• Participate in outreach activities alongside behavioral health and CCBHC teams.
• Behavioral Health & Supportive Services Coordination
• Facilitate warm handoffs to clinical teams, care managers, and SCN partners.
• Aid in identifying crisis situations and connect individuals to appropriate emergency or behavioral health resources.
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Administrative & Program Support
• Maintain accurate records, mileage logs, inventory tracking, and activity reports.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, and quality improvement activities.
• Aid with program evaluation, reporting metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of evolving SCN workflows and operational procedures.

Qualifications and Attributes

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• NYS Driver’s License required
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, and carry items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions
• Ability to safely enter and exit mobile vehicle multiple times throughout the day
• Ability to operate a commercial-style cargo van/mobile unit safely
• Strong organization skills with accurate attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to multi-task
• Able to adapt and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Able to work independently in community-based settings
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems preferred
• Comfortable using technology including laptops, mobile applications, and electronic documentation systems
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Able to work effectively with diverse populations in culturally responsive ways

Education and Experience

• NYS Peer Certification Required (NYS-CPS or CRPA; provisional)
• Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations strongly preferred