Peer Outreach Worker (NYS DL Required)

Major Duties

• Provide targeted outreach to designated communities in the 5 Boros of NYC as requested, in no less than a team of two, to identify homeless, runaway and at-risk youth and young adults through street and site-based outreach.
• Use engagement techniques to build a rapport with youth and young adults encountered.
• Provide age-appropriate interaction with youth and young adults encountered and adhere to all agency guidelines and ethics regarding treatment of youth and services.
• Screen for basic needs; provide resources, referrals to service agencies, shelter and drop-in centers.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed. Provide psychoeducation and prevention to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth and young adults on various topics.
• Build network with other street outreach program workers and local drop-in centers.
• Provide assistance in locating safe housing, emergency, transitional and permanent.
• Maintain appropriate and relevant documentation of all contacts, efforts and events.
• Respond to Fair Hearing requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma required.
• A Valid NYS Drivers License required.
• One year experience in working with the runaway and/or homeless youth/young adult population, direct experience with street outreach desirable.
• Lived experience around homelessness, at risk of homelessness or housing insecurity a plus.
• Bilingual a plus.
• Must be able to establish working relationships with participants in need of supportive services.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective.
• Computer literate – Knowledge of computer assessment tools, Data Base systems and Windows operating systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office