Job Description

The GCFP Outreach Specialist provides direct crisis services to the population served by the Grand Central Food Program, which primarily includes individuals who are unsheltered and living on the streets of NYC. Many of the GCFP's clients have been let down repeatedly by systems theoretically intended to provide assistance. The GCFP Outreach Specialist is responsible for meeting the GCFP's clients where they are at and engaging and building trusting relationships that help to overcome negative past experiences and allow supportive services to be delivered. Services include, but are not limited to, providing appropriate assistance, referrals and advocacy for immediate needs, shelter and housing related issues, as well as providing assistance in obtaining and retaining public benefits and entitlements and support with access to health, mental health, and substance use services. The position works collaboratively across departments within and outside the organization to achieve these goals. The GCFP Outreach Specialist performs job duties consistent with the mission and goals of the Coalition for the Homeless. Absent an exemption required by law, each Coalition for the Homeless employee is required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. QUALIFICATIONS: BA/BS in social work, human services or health discipline is strongly preferred. Prior case/care management experience, especially in a supportive housing program, working with individuals who are homeless or formerly homeless, persons living with mental illness, struggling with substance use, and/or living with HIV/AIDS strongly desired. Self-starters, able to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently are also strongly preferred. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: The GCFP Outreach Specialist shall: 1) provide outreach services to unsheltered individuals served by the Grand Central Food vans at least three times per week; 2) act as liaison between the Grand Central Food Program and the GCFP's clients by establishing trust and rapport that supports clients in connecting with services offered by the Coalition for the Homeless and other service providers; 3) establish effective and collaborative relationships and communication with Coalition colleagues and the GCFP's volunteers that allows information that may be beneficial to clients to be shared openly and routinely; 4) work to develop networks with outside service providers that could serve to enhance the resources available to meet client needs; 5) provide information, direct support and advocacy for clients' shelter rights and benefits; 6) escort unsheltered homeless clients to relevant outside appointments when necessary in order to advocate for clients and to ensure that appropriate services and benefits are received; 7) engage in community outreach efforts to identify housing opportunities; 8) maintain a caseload of clients and work collaboratively with those clients on long-term goals; 9) prepare and submit HRA 2010e supportive housing and/or other relevant housing applications for ongoing clients on a monthly basis; 10) drive GCFP vehicles and provide support to nightly volunteers while conducting outreach/serving meals; 11) alert the Director of Emergency Relief Services regarding client emergencies and other immediate needs and assist in efforts to promptly deliver proper services; 12) perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Emergency Relief Services or designee. REPORTS TO: Director of Emergency Relief Services Company Description The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation's oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless individuals and families. We believe that affordable housing, sufficient food and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society. Since our inception in 1981, the Coalition has worked through litigation, public education and direct services to ensure that these goals are realized.

Company Description

The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless individuals and families. We believe that affordable housing, sufficient food and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society. Since our inception in 1981, the Coalition has worked through litigation, public education and direct services to ensure that these goals are realized.