Intro/Program Description: Goddard Riverside invests in people & strengthens community, serving more than 20,000 people throughout New York City with a variety of programs for all ages. We work within a social justice framework to create a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families. Goddard is a partner within the Manhattan Outreach Consortium (MOC) a borough-wide initiative to serve the unsheltered community. MOC collaborates with various community partners and healthcare agencies throughout Manhattan.

Purpose of Position: The Outreach Worker works creatively and effectively in the community to engage individuals living on the street through outreach by utilizing a harm reduction approach. The position responds to 311 community calls, assists with housing placements, and meets clients “where they are at” utilizing motivational interviewing techniques. The position works in conjunction with MOC teams.

Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday 11:00 pm to 7:00 am

Salary: $36,127

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center follow the CDC and NYS recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and are now requiring all new hires to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a qualified exemption. 

As part of a two-person team, you will:

• Canvass, engage, and be a presence in specific areas with a high concentration of unsheltered clients
• Outreach new and current clients in promoting service goals and escorting clients when needed
• Respond to special assignments from DHS, Community officials, and other organizations
• Communicate and build relationships with community stakeholders
• Respond to 311 calls regarding unsheltered individuals
• Assess individuals for safety and advocate for additional services when needed
• Document client engagements, area reports, and special assignments in MOC and DHS databases
• Prepare reports on shift activities and client status
• Assist in training of new staff and participate in group trainings for current staff
• Drive outreach vehicle
• Canvass for vulnerable individuals during Code Blue, Code Red, and during other appropriate times
• Participate in at least four (4) overnight quarterly counts of homeless individuals living on the streets of Manhattan
• Ability to work some holiday shifts required
• Other duties as assigned
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Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• High School diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the agency’s auto insurance guidelines (including at least 1 year as a licensed driver and no suspensions within the last 3 years)

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience with persons with mental illness or homelessness preferred
• Ability to be flexible in a fast paced work environment

Computer Skills

• Experience with or ability to learn Microsoft Office, Street Smarts, MOCapp

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking and standing
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs

Work Environment

• Indoors and outdoors; all weather
• Work primarily out of lower Manhattan location
• Must be able to drive and handle city traffic

This position is classified as a union position under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Goddard Riverside and the United Service Workers Union Local 74 Collective Bargaining Unit. The union represents employees in the bargaining unit (i.e. Goddard employees in Local 74 union positions). The Collective Bargaining Agreement is a written contract that defines the agreed-upon terms and conditions of employment, including wage increases, paid time off and other benefits, and the grievance process. All employees in Local 74 union positions at Goddard Riverside are subject to and covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Membership in the union includes the collection of union dues on a monthly basis, to be deducted from the member’s Goddard paycheck at a rate to be determined by the union.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.