ERT Recovery Specialist

POSITION: ERT Recovery Specialist 

DEPARTMENT: ODAAT/Outreach Services

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

One Day at a Time (ODAAT) operates a specialized outreach team known as the Encampment Resolution Team (ERT) to identifies, responds to, and resolves 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.) 

Employees in this job is responsible for engaging homeless persons, determining needs, offering services, and follow-up. Add, collate and account for individuals in the field in the identified and targeted encampment via appropriate social service/case management methodology. Under the direction of the ERT Outreach Coordinator, the Peer Outreach Specialist will respond to calls assigned by the Coordinator or Director of Outreach Services, Chief of Staff or designated OHS official regarding homeless persons on the street in Philadelphia. The incumbent will remain in constant contact with their team in order to appropriately assess, evaluate, refer and/or intake clients in the field or at ODAAT and provide clinical support for necessary services. The Specialist may also be required to provide and/or assist the DBH outreach team and its activity. NOTE: This is a full-time position expected to last through June 30, 2027.

• Respond to requests from the ERT Recovery Peer Specialist is to engage homeless persons at specified locations
• Engage homeless individuals in the community, assess needs, and offer appropriate services
• Be thoroughly familiar with Sidewalk Ordinance
• Work cooperatively with business owners, police, and concerned citizens to serve the needs of persons who are homeless
• Complete all required contact and reporting forms
• Assist with public, media and internet outreach with other staff and program volunteers to support intake into the programs and attendance at sponsored events
• Assist with planning and supporting socialization and outreach events
• 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 and ODAAT services to high-risk individuals
• Participate in agency-sponsored programming including locating and contacting new and existing clients weekly for scheduled events during assigned work hours
• Provide and complete client database entry, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of data entered
• Maintain accurate paper and computer files for all outreach contacts and correspondence related to contracts
• Participate in meetings to create outreach and promotional message for dissemination during program outreach and events
• Ability to organize time, prioritize assignments, including the ability to work flexible hours
• Will work in coordination with the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Outreach Teams and colleagues
• Adhere to all company policies related to the Driver’s Standard Operating Procedures
• 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 (i.e., Outlook, word, Excel)
• Strong written and verbal 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 
• Abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules, guidance on compliances in regards to sensitive and confidential client information 
• 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 flexible work schedule including holidays, evenings and weekends
  • Wednesday through Sunday (10p-6a) 
• Available on-call for emergencies by telephone and/or cell phone
• Adhere to all company policies related to the Driver’s Standard Operating Procedures
• Bilingual a plus
• Performs any other duties assigned

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS 

• Valid driver’s license required
• Proof of Insurance, preferred
• CADC certification Certified Recovery Specialist preferred, or able to obtain 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Able to lift/move weight up to 40lbs. 
• Visual acuity to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for 2 or more hours per day
• Must be able to operate a computer/hand-held digital device for 2 or more 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.

The candidate for this position may be subject to any of the following screenings as part of the pre-employment process: Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) PA Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Fingerprinting, and drug/alcohol screen.

Interested applicants should include their cover letter and resume along with salary requirements. 

Telephone calls will not be accepted

UAC/ODAAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer