ERT Peer Outreach Specialist

Peer Outreach Specialist

One Day At A Time (ODAAT) is a partner of the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC). ODAAT houses men and women who are afflicted by addiction and homelessness. Case management services and prevention for HIV/AIDS is also offered at select locations. Through our holistic array of services ODAAT, consumers can expect the support of ODAAT staff to bring systems together to help achieve positive outcomes.

Staff offer support in the following areas: recovery coaching and mentoring, linkage to health and social services, transitional housing, and community outreach.

One Day at a Time (UAC-ODAAT) operates a specialized outreach team known as the Encampment Resolution Team (ERT) which identifies, responds to, and resolves encampments using a social services-led process. Specifically, the role of the ERT is to establish relationships with those in the encampments, gain an understanding of their specific needs and goals, engage and connect them with services. The ERT will work to connect individuals to available housing resources, social service supports, as well as work with stakeholders to identify and leverage additional resources as needed.

This scope provides an overview of the ERT, its role, composition, how it connects to the broader policy, as well as define and detail the scope of its primary engagement services.

Employees in this job is responsible for engaging homeless persons, determining needs, offering services, and follow-up. Add, collate and account for individuals in the field in the identified and targeted encampment via appropriate social service/case management methodology. Under the direction of the ERT Outreach Coordinator, the Peer Outreach Specialist will respond to calls assigned by the Coordinator or Director of Outreach Services, Chief of Staff or designated OHS official regarding homeless persons on the street in Philadelphia.

The incumbent will remain in constant contact with their team in order to appropriately assess, evaluate, refer and/or intake clients in the field or at ODAAT and provide clinical support for necessary services. The Specialist may also be required to provide and/or assist the DBH outreach team and its activity. NOTE:
This is a full-time position expected to last through June 30, 2027.

• Respond to requests from the ERT

• Engage homeless individuals in the community, assess needs, and offer appropriate services

• Be thoroughly familiar with Sidewalk Ordinance

• Work cooperatively with business owners, police, and concerned citizens to serve the needs of persons who are homeless

• Complete all required contact and reporting forms

• Assist with public, media and internet outreach with other staff and program volunteers to support intake into the programs and attendance at sponsored events

• Assist with planning and supporting socialization and outreach events

• Coordinate, schedule, and participate in daily street outreach team efforts

• Attend all mandated training activities

• Provide outreach programming under the Harm/Risk reduction and Trauma- informed service spectrum and ODAAT services to high-risk individuals

• Participate in agency-sponsored programming including locating and contacting new and existing clients weekly for scheduled events during assigned work hours

• Provide and complete client database entry, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of data entered

• Maintain accurate paper and computer files for all outreach contacts and correspondence related to contracts

• Participate in meetings to create outreach and promotional message for dissemination during program outreach and events

• Ability to organize time, prioritize assignments, including the ability to work flexible hours

• Will work in coordination with the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Outreach Teams and colleagues

• Adhere to all company policies related to the Driver's Standard Operating Procedures

• Other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• 1+ years of prior outreach and community work experience in the field and/or related field preferred

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel)

• Ability to manage time and respond to deadlines

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