Peer Outreach Worker (Part-Time) - $20.00/Hour

Description

Volunteers of America (VOA) and Youth Outreach Programs envision a community where no young person experiences homelessness, and all young people have the opportunity to thrive. Youth and young adults who access our programs most often have experienced or may be experiencing a variety of inequities and disparities; including but not limited to: homelessness, economic instability, high rates of chronic health and mental health conditions, traumatic events, lack of social support, etc. Youth Outreach Programs clients, typically, have developed numerous skills that have helped them survive and meet their needs, while facing these many barriers. 

The Peer Outreach Worker will be responsible for providing street-based outreach, engagement, and referral assistance to Runaway, Homeless and At-risk Youth (RHY). Services are directed at developing trusting relationships and assisting youth with getting their needs met through referrals and distributing supplies.

VOA serves people of many ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs; therefore, we seek a workforce, which reflects this diversity. VOA is committed to the successes of youth and breaking the cycle of homelessness. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a Part-time position with approximately 20 hours of work per week. Core work hours and days are Monday through Saturday, with scheduled hours taking place anywhere between 7 am and 7 pm. Schedule may vary and may require longer work hours and varied shifts, as well as evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential duties/responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of this job. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide street-based outreach to youth in Spokane, WA, as part of an outreach team.
• Engage with area youth who are living in unsafe situations by working with adult staff and utilizing creative strategies to develop trusting relationships.
• Assist youth in getting their needs met through referrals and distribution of supplies.
• Be knowledgeable of area resources for youth and how to help youth access those resources.
• Identify and communicate trends among area RHY for the purpose of advocacy and improving service delivery for these youth.
• Provide peer support under the supervision of the adult outreach staff.
• Participate in community activities and events for the purpose of increasing awareness of RHY needs and education regarding services and resources available through the YouthREACH (outreach services) program.
• Together with outreach staff, provide crisis intervention services when necessary.
• Access emergency services, such as medical, law enforcement, shelter, and detox services for youth when necessary.
• Participate in required staff meetings including regular supervision.
• Attend all program-required training, such as seminars and in-service training, for YouthREACH program, Crosswalk and Volunteers of America (VOA).
• Meet YouthREACH program, Crosswalk and VOA compliance requirements.
• Meet program requirements for billable client services.
• Complete daily outreach logs and contact sheets as required.
• Complete all required paperwork.
• Represent YouthREACH and outreach services at community meetings, agency networking and collaboration activities and events related to RHY.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
• Travel as required. Travel is primarily local and during the business day; although very occasional out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.
• This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform this job.

Required Education and/or Experience: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent; OR
• Current enrollment in High School or GED program with good attendance and GPA 

Certificates and/or Licenses: To perform this job successfully, an individual must:

• Be eligible to be licensed as Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) and apply for credential within 30 days of hire.
• Be eligible to complete the Peer Specialist Course within the first 30 days of hire. 
• Become CPR/First Aid/BBP Certified within 6 months of employment
• Must obtain a TB test before employment can begin, or produce results of a negative TB test administered no earlier than 8 months prior to the hire date (may obtain upon hire at no cost)
• Successfully pass background checks applicable to position:
  • Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) background check

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Former lived homeless experience

Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Strong positive verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• High professional standards regarding confidentiality.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a high volume, fast-paced environment, balancing changing priorities.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills to determine the best level of response, intervention and support.
• Proven ability for attention to detail and strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with employees and managers from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent public speaking skills for large and small groups.
• Knowledge of Medicaid and/or Medicare and/or Medicare enrollment services and process.
• Proficient in word processing applications and associated software such as Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook; including Google Suite, CMIS (HMIS), and behavioral health software systems.
• Proficient reporting skills including auditing data and processes regularly to produce reports and/or communications to applicable stakeholders.

Physical Requirements: 

In order to meet all expectations of this position, an individual must be able to:

• Regularly required to walk around outside on the streets and in a variety of terrains for long periods of time during the workday. The employee is also often required to walk around and carry a backpack with supplies up to 25lbs.
• Frequently remain in a stationary position (such as sitting or standing) and to move about inside and outside of the shelter to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. lift and/or move client possessions, small to medium objects in the office and/or cleaning supplies (up to 25 pounds)
• Occasionally required to ascend and descend stairs, lift and/or move food, shelter furniture, and large shelter items, such as furniture, large orders delivered to their office, etc. (up to 50 pounds). Operates a computer with keyboard and mouse, as well as other office equipment, such as printers, copy machines, telephones, etc.

Work Conditions:

While performing the essential duties/responsibilities of this job, the employee may experience the following environmental conditions:

• Noise Conditions: The noise level in the work environments can be loud.
• Heat/Cold: May be subject to heat, cold, wet, and/or humid weather conditions, and occasionally extreme heat and/or cold.
• Injury Exposure: This job operates in a youth shelter, as well as in street-based environments.
• Atmospheric Exposures: May be exposed to various scents and perfumes, less than sanitary or uncomfortable conditions, various pests and pathogens, participants' service and emotional support animals, as well as clients in physical, mental or emotional distress.