Community Outreach Worker

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Outreach Worker plays a critical role in delivering community-based services to individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and chronic health conditions. The position is responsible for engaging hard-to-reach populations in a variety of community settings, supporting care navigation, and facilitating connections to medical, behavioral health, and social services. This position also includes responsibility for driving and maintaining a mobile health unit.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Conduct targeted outreach in neighborhoods with high levels of unmet need, including public spaces, encampments, transit hubs, and shelters.
Build rapport with individuals facing housing instability or health disparities using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and non-judgmental approaches.
Provide accurate information on services and resources available within the organization and through community partners.
Participate in community events and health promotion activities to increase awareness and service utilization.
Conduct screenings and assessments related to behavioral health, substance use, HIV/HCV risk, social determinants of health, and other programmatic requirements.
Assist clients in accessing telehealth and virtual health services through department-approved technology platforms.
Facilitate referrals and warm hand-offs to health care, mental health, recovery, and housing services.
Assist clients with service navigation, appointment scheduling, follow-up coordination, and completing required documentation.
Accompany and transport clients safely to detoxification programs, medical appointments, residential treatment, and other essential services as needed.
Maintain professional boundaries and ensure client confidentiality at all times.
Operate the mobile outreach vehicle during scheduled outreach hours, ensuring safety and proper documentation.
Conduct routine vehicle safety checks, coordinate maintenance needs, and maintain logs as required.
Assist in setting up and breaking down outreach stations, supplies, and mobile service equipment.
Ensure the mobile unit is stocked with materials, outreach supplies, and patient resources.
Accurately collect, document, and report outreach activities, screenings, referrals, linkages, follow-up outcomes, and other required program data using approved systems and reporting tools.
Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to promote integrated service delivery and improve access to care.
Adhere to all privacy regulations including HIPAA and maintain high standards of data security.
Support quality assurance, performance improvement, program evaluation, and reporting activities through accurate data collection and documentation.
Participate in regular team meetings, training, and supervision.
Work closely with peer navigators, clinical staff, and community partners to ensure coordinated care.
Maintain effective communication with supervisors regarding field observations, emerging client needs, and program improvements.
Any other duties assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
A Valid NYS Driver’s License with a clean driving record is required.
1+ years of experience in outreach, case management, peer support, or human services preferred.
Familiarity with underserved communities, harm reduction principles, and trauma-informed practices (training will be provided).
Comfortable engaging individuals outdoors and in mobile settings under varying environmental conditions.
Ability to use smartphones, tablets, or laptops for data entry and communication.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.