POSITION: ERT Recovery Peer Specialist (FT)

DEPARTMENT: ODAAT/Outreach

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH

Job Description

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Urban Affairs Coalition-One Day at a Time (UAC-ODAAT) will operate a specialized outreach team known as the Encampment Resolution Team (ERT) to identify, respond to, and resolve encampments using a social services-led process. Specifically, the role of ERT Recovery Specialist is to establish relationships with those in the encampments, gain an understanding of their specific needs and goals, engage and connect them with internal and external services (i.e. HIV testing, housing resources, mental health, social services, etc.)

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage individuals in the community, chiefly assessing social, emotional and economic causes of homelessness, addiction, problem behavior and mental or emotional disorders; and offer appropriate services;
• Be thoroughly familiar with Tent and Structure Policy, and Sidewalk Ordinance.
• Work cooperatively with business owners, police, and concerned citizens to serve the needs of members engaged in ERT communities;
• Complete all required contact and reporting forms;
• 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
• Ability to organize time, prioritize assignments, including the ability to work flexible hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required;
• At least, 1 year of prior outreach and community work experience in the field and/or related field preferred;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, including Excel;
• Strong writing, typing, reading, listening and speaking communications skills;
• Possess well-developed decision making skills and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy;
• Ability to excel in a diverse, collaborative team environment;
• Possess a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential Homeless Alliance, client, donor, and employee information and situations;
• Able to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations;
• Possess ability to understand various policy operations and procedures;
• Able to maintain a professional, customer service-oriented attitude at all times;
• Ability to meet face-to-face with individuals of diverse backgrounds and disabilities, including physical, mental, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, etc.;
• Able to provide cultural competent services, develop rapport, provide information, and refer with sensitivity;
• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently;
• Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Ability to transport individuals as needed, and travel to various sites and locations daily;
• Able to meet a flexible work schedule including holidays, evenings and weekends. Available on-call for emergencies by telephone and/or cell phone; and
• Bilingual a plus.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• CADC certification Certified Recovery Specialist preferred, or able to obtain
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s license required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to lift/move weight up to 40lbs.
• Vision adequate to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently.
• Must be able to sit for 2 or more hours per day
• Must be able to stand for 2 or more hours per day
• Must be able to operate a computer/hand-held digital device for more than 2 hours per day
• Must be able to drive or ride in a moving vehicle for no less than 3 hours per day
• Must be able to drive in all weather and road conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee will work in an office and public, service-delivery environment. Hectic situations can occur in the public area of the facility characteristic to working with the homeless community and the related concerns and situations related to homeless conditions. Potential exists for volatile and unpredictable situations to occur. May experience exposure to strong odors such as soiled clothes and poor hygiene. The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.