Outreach Specialist

WHO WE ARE & PURPOSE OF POSITION:

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been a leader in providing a full continuum of shelter, transitional and permanent housing and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway and exploited youth. As the largest provider of runaway and homeless youth services in New York City, CHNY serves more than 1,500 youth and young adults ages 16-24 annually. Our doors are open to all young people who need help, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We provide shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health and other services using harm reduction and trauma-informed principles. We also advocate for systemic change through public policy while promoting awareness of critical issues related to youth homelessness. Covenant House New York’s goal is to help each young person find safety and refuge from the dangers of living on the streets and to empower youth now and into the future. We do this through compassion, unconditional love and absolute respect.

Working in our Federally Qualified Health Center and under the direction of the Health Center Administrator, and in collaboration with the Health & Wellness Center team, the Outreach Specialist will serve as a liaison between CHNY’s residential services, the community, and the CHNY Health & Wellness Center, to ensure all youth who stay with us, and members of the community, are aware of and able to easily obtain the appropriate level of care, and support innovative strategies to prevent HIV and help people with access to HIV prevention, care, support, and treatment services to live longer, healthier lives.

This role will also work to engage and educate the CHNY youth and the boarder community about the importance of HIV/STI screenings and the availability of PrEP prescriptions. The Outreach Specialist will conduct outreach, organize educational events, and build relationships with partners to promote sexual health services. These efforts will bridge the gap between the Health & Wellness Center and the community, fostering awareness, reducing stigma, and facilitating access to critical preventive care. This position requires in-person reporting to CHNY’s Manhattan location with travel throughout the five boroughs.

NOTE: This position is grant-funded for three years and any extension beyond the three years is contingent on the agency’s continued support at a full level of funding.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Serve as the primary contact between CHNY residential, mental health, and Health & Wellness center teams

• Support the Medical Receptionist with scheduling appointments and the residential team and youth with appointment reminders

• Represent Covenant House Health & Wellness Center at various coalitions and/or community events

• Conduct internal and external outreach activities including, but not limited to, tabling and presenting at community events and distributing outreach materials to various locations

• Educate current and prospective patients on the importance of Health Screenings, HIV testing, prevention, and treatment

• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including program teams, merchants associations, business support groups, etc.

• Conduct follow-up with potential clients engaged through outreach efforts

• Provide reminder phone calls, letters, and other activities to promote adherence to appointments and directly accompany clients to follow up appointments as needed

• Develop an activity log and electronically document all client encounters using the activity log

• Work with the Health and Wellness Office and Insurance Coordinator to assist with patient processing with Marketplace Health Insurance

• Assess individual needs, identify barriers to successful connection to and retention in care, and connect clients to services as appropriate.

• Performs other duties as assigned and/or needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• High School graduate / GED required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year work experience in a medical office setting.

Knowledge/Skills

• Be able to work independently as well as be part of a team

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Excellent public speaking/training skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong problem solving skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and complete work independently

• Compassionate and understanding for people experiencing Homelessness

• Flexible and ability to work different shifts

• Ability to effectively multi-task and follow-up on a timely basis

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life, and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days, and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident, and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates."CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered."

Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer