Specialist

BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community. In all aspects of our work, we strive for the highest ethical and performance standards and are guided by the belief that people are to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their present situation or past experiences.

Across our 60+ locations, we provide programs in a variety of service areas, including workforce development, children, youth, families, seniors and homeless prevention.

Safe Options Support (SOS) teams address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness on the street and in public transit locations. This is done by offering direct linkages to services that address their immediate needs, including transitional housing placement, connection to medical and mental health care, and access to benefits. Additionally, SOS provides support during the period of transition from street homelessness to stable housing. SOS Teams are comprised of licensed behavioral health clinicians, registered nurses, care managers, and peer specialists.Safe Options Support (SOS) teams address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness on the street and in public transit locations. This is done by offering direct linkages to services that address their immediate needs, including transitional housing placement, connection to medical and mental health care, and access to benefits. Additionally, SOS provides support during the period of transition from street homelessness to stable housing. SOS Teams are comprised of licensed behavioral health clinicians, registered nurses, care managers, and peer specialists.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Governor’s newly launched, innovative Safe Options Support (SOS) program, which will provide comprehensive care to street homeless or subway dwelling individuals.

The Peer Specialist’s role will involve community outreach on the streets and subways, coordinating participants needs before and after their move from street to home, enhancing their daily living skills, accompaniment to appointments, and advocating on their behalf when faced with discrimination or healthcare inequities.

The SOS teams will continue to follow participants for several months after housing placement to ensure their stability, independence, and wellbeing in their new community. On job training and regular learning collaboratives will be available to enhance the Peer Specialist’s professional development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in persistent and assertive community outreach and engagement on the streets and subways as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Engage and build rapport with chronically street homeless individuals in the Bronx; develop goals and service plans that help them improve their daily living skills
• Drive agency vehicles for mobile outreach work and to transport clients
• Support licensed clinicians with mobile medical outreach
• Maintain familiarity with social services and resources available within the agency and in the community
• Provide referrals and direct assistance to support clients in accessing mental health services, medical care, substance treatment, vital documents, benefits, legal/immigration services, and permanent housing
• Document all interactions with or on behalf of clients; monitor and document client progress toward service plan goals
• Perform additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• New York State Certified Peer Specialist preferred; comparable training in peer advocacy required
• Prior experience working with homeless and/or precariously housed populations preferred, but not required

• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license which has been held for at least 1 year; in the last 3 years, candidate must have obtained no more than 3 license violation points
• Bilingual/multilingual preferred, but not required
• Proficiency with computers, common office equipment, and basic typing skills
• Strong interpersonal communication

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time
• Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents
• Ability to travel in the boroughs of New York City and its adjacent counties via public transportation
• Ability to travel for a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable amount of time and in all types of weather, including inclement weather, if required to conduct home visits and/or field work
• TB Test required within the first 120 days of employment

BronxWorks seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. BronxWorks is committed to equal employment opportunities and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. This commitment applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and employee development, placement, promotion, demotion, upgrading, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [email protected].