Part Time OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The role of the Outreach Specialist is to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all youth seeking services at Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) and to represent the agency in the community in accordance with the Covenant House Mission Statement, Five Principles, and Core Values. The Outreach Specialist will advocate for and provide direct care services and support to youth both on the streets and at Covenant House. The Outreach Specialist will work in support of the department’s general outreach goals, including street outreach, school/agency outreach, and aftercare support.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Initiate and maintain positive, professional, and mentoring relationships with youth and staff in accordance with the Covenant House Mission, Principles, and Core Values.

 Promote a peaceful, healing environment by utilizing the principles and practices of trauma informed care and positive youth development in all aspects of work and youth engagement, including crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation.

 Conduct regularly scheduled street outreach in the New Orleans metropolitan area, distributing food, clothing, and literature to youth and other individuals in the community

.  Seek out and assist victims of human trafficking and prostitution.

 Utilize various forms of media including texting, the Covenant House app, and social media to strategically engage youth and community members.

 Participate in the UNITY for the Homeless citywide outreach program.

 Serve as community liaison with local service partners, businesses, schools, and community groups for agency outreach purposes (i.e. “school/agency outreach”).

 Implement a van/foot patrol schedule that will include the participation of resident youth volunteers to maximize street outreach contacts.

 Transport youth to and from Covenant House. Assist with transportation for additional offsite services/events as needed.

 Serve as client advocate to engage support/social service agencies in the community when necessary.

 Aid in development/implementation of plans to reach and serve youth from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and youth underrepresented in the Covenant House Crisis Center (including under 18). 

 Maintain proper documentation of client and Outreach files in HMIS, ETO, and other information systems as required.

 Ensure compliance and execution of the terms of the grant contracts.

 Attend all trainings (unless specifically excused by supervisor) and integrate information and tools into individualized tasks and responsibilities.

 Perform other job-related duties as requested.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Demands Position involves active movement around the Covenant House facilities and on the streets. Daily seeing, hearing, and talking are important. Other Relevant Conditions Non-traditional hours may be involved, particularly for street outreach activities. Occasional crisis intervention may require incumbent with the physical capacity to intervene in terminating an altercation. Some travel may be required, typically within the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

 Bachelor’s degree in social services preferred OR, a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with at-risk youth or special needs populations.

 Prior experience working with youth who have experienced homelessness, trauma, or other emotional and behavioral challenges using a trauma informed approach.

 Emotional and intellectual maturity and stability.

 Knowledge of community resources and the ability to make referrals.

 Good oral and written communication skills.

 Strong interpersonal skills- the ability to motivate others and to be culturally sensitive when developing rapport with youth/co-workers.

 Ability & willingness to do street canvassing.

 Valid driver’s license. OR any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Salary : $16