Outreach

Description

JOB SUMMARY :

The Outreach Specialist for the Brownsville Safety Alliance (BSA) is a frontline team member responsible for engaging with community members (particularly those who are underserved or in crisis) to build trust, assess needs, and connect them with supportive services. Working as part of a team, the Outreach Specialist helps reduce harm, promote safety, and ensure access to critical resources for individuals facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance use, or poverty.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS : List all essential job duties. (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.)

Proactively engage individuals in public spaces through street outreach and relationship-building.

Conduct initial needs assessments and provide referrals to services such as housing, healthcare, food access, mental health, and substance use support.

Distribute basic necessities (e.g., hygiene kits, clothing, harm reduction supplies) during outreach.

Collaborate with case managers, social workers, and partner organizations to coordinate care and support.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach efforts and client interactions.

Educate community members about available resources and BSA programs.

Attend regular team meetings, trainings, and debriefs to ensure a coordinated, trauma-informed approach.

Participate with team during Situation Table and other presentations.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Committed to the active promotion of the ICL values and goals.

Ability to work with clients, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences

Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify a treatment plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards

Ability to communicate effectively with staff, clients, families, and the public.

Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned using computers and computer software assigned (e.g., IMA, Word, Anasazi, etc.).

Ability to understand and adhere to internal and external laws, rules, and policies.

Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others.

Ability to work independently, and to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures.

Knowledge of local community resources and harm-reduction practices.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially with diverse and vulnerable populations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE :

High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in social services or public health is a plus. Minimum of 2 years of experience in outreach, peer support, community engagement, or lived experience in related systems is highly valued. Ability to work flexible hours, including very occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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