Job | Outreach Worker (Harm Reduction): Harlem United

Outreach Worker (Harm Reduction): Harlem United

Position Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services, the Outreach Worker is responsible for engaging and building trusting relationships with individuals affected by homelessness, substance use, mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS and STIs, and other risks. The Outreach Worker will work as part of an inter-agency team in engaging homeless/at-risk individuals in various venues with the goal to assess and refer these individuals to HU’s primary and dental clinics and other internal and external supportive services.  The Outreach Worker recruits individuals at various community-based settings, conducts program screening and assessment, engages individuals through individual and group interventions, and properly completes all paperwork in order to help individuals enroll in Harlem United services. This individual will embrace a harm reduction-based model when engaging consumers.

Reports to: Program Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services – Community Health Services. Created: October 3, 2012

How to Apply:

Send your cover letter and resume to:  Oscar Lopez, Program Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services at olopez@harlemunited.org

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

• Demonstrate knowledge of common health-related needs including substance use, mental health, and HIV/AIDS experienced by homeless/at-risk individuals
• Effectively identify and engage individuals on the streets, in shelters, drop-in centers, soup kitchens, transitional programs, and other locations where homeless/at-risk individuals congregate
• Conduct assessments and reassessments for individuals with high-risk behaviors associated with drug use and sexual activity to maintain engagement in services, and enter data to assist with ongoing program service delivery
• Effectively conduct health education and risk reduction education sessions in outreach settings
• Effectively refer individuals for HIV and STI testing services, housing support, behavioral health services, healthcare services, and additional services
• Actively work as part of an interdisciplinary team to track and locate individuals in the community to maintain program engagement
• Achieve monthly target deliverables for outreach services, and track ongoing service delivery through proper paperwork completion and programmatic documentation
• Conduct ongoing presentations and community outreach activities to recruit new and returning individuals, working with a team to strategize new and creative ways to engage hard to reach and vulnerable populations
• Actively participate in advocacy activities that support the mission and values of the agency
• Drive agency vehicles, assisting with daily vehicle maintenance, and following agency rules and regulations for vehicle operation, informing direct supervisor immediately of any vehicle issues
• Pick up and transport clients from partnering agencies as needed for medical and agency appointments
• Adhere to all client confidentiality requirements and standards
• Perform other duties not described above deemed appropriate by the agency

Other Responsibilities:

The following duties are to be performed as assigned by the supervisor:

• Participate in monthly data-driven supervision (DDS)
• Participate in ongoing clinical supervision
• Participate in ongoing continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities

Education and Certification:

This position requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience may be substituted. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, or related field, is preferred. At least one year of work with communities at risk, people living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, homelessness, and substance use is required.

Special Skills and Knowledge:

In addition to the above-listed job responsibilities and educational requirements, the ideal candidate for this position possesses most or all of the following:

• New York State Driver’s License required
• Knowledge of community networks and resources for homeless individuals, substance users, people with mental illness, and people living with HIV/AIDS
• Knowledge of harm reduction and other approaches to behavior change
• Good oral, written and computer communication skills
• Spanish preferred

How to Apply:

Send your cover letter and resume to:  Oscar Lopez, Program Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services at olopez@harlemunited.org

Last Updated on December 17, 2017 by HepFree NYC