Outreach Worker

About the role

The Bronx Street Outreach Program at Odyssey House seeks Peer Outreach Workers who bring lived experience to build trust, reduce harm, and connect individuals with lifesaving services.

Responsibilities

• Engage PWUD and community members in parks, encampments, transit hubs, shelters, and other high-need areas.
• Distribute naloxone, fentanyl/xylazine test strips, sterile supplies, first aid kits, hygiene kits, and other harm reduction materials.
• Provide overdose prevention education and train individuals and families in naloxone administration.
• Offer peer support, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed engagement strategies to build trust.
• Support clients with navigation of Medicaid, housing, benefits, and treatment referrals, including warm handoffs and accompaniment to appointments.
• Conduct field-based behavioral health screenings (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7) and refer clients to appropriate providers.
• Maintain accurate outreach records and ensure timely documentation of encounters, referrals, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with community partners to expand access to harm reduction and treatment services.
• Participate in ongoing training, group supervision, and reflective practice sessions.

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience with substance use, recovery, and/or harm reduction.
• Required: Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) credential or CRPA-P.
• Previous experience in street outreach, harm reduction services, or peer navigation is strongly preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong skills in trauma-informed care, harm reduction practices, overdose prevention, and motivational interviewing are essential.
• The ability to engage clients with empathy and respect is required.
• Knowledge of community resources and benefits navigation is preferred.
• Bilingual ability is strongly valued.

Amount of travel and any other special conditions or requirements

Regular local travel required, valid NYS driver’s license strongly preferred.

Benefits

• A 35-hour work week (as opposed to a 40-hour work week)
• Vacation Plan and Holiday Schedule
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance (Two Plans)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Additional Insurance Coverages (hospitalization, accidental, critical illness coverage)
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account
• 403(b) Plan
• Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) EAP benefit
• Ability Assist Counseling Services (through The Hartford)
• Commuter Benefits
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Special shopping discounts through ADP Marketplace and Plum
• RUFit?! Fitness Program
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Assistance Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare
• Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher