Senior Advocate Street Outreach

Full-Time 37.5 hours per week / 52 weeks per year

Pay Rate: $19.18 to $24.94

Monday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

Tuesday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

Wednesday: 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Thursday: 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Friday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

The Senior Advocate serves as the frontline professional responsible for identifying, engaging, supporting, and advocating for runaway, homeless, trafficked, and at-risk youth through street outreach, crisis response, case management, prevention education, family support, and service coordination. The position works collaboratively with youth, families, community partners, and internal OCO programs to increase safety, access to shelter and services, housing stability, self-sufficiency, and permanent supportive connections.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides direct services to people of all ages, according to OCO Universal Service Delivery methods in diverse locations, including OCO offices, other agency offices, program sites, public places and the homes of consumers.  Independently provides early intervention, prevention, and care management services to an assigned population and oversees project functions as assigned. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures. Responsible for organizing and arranging outreach activities to the community and targeted populations. Works as part of a team to provide a variety of outreach services throughout the county including street outreach and drop-in center activities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assures the provision of continuous, comprehensive, non-judgmental, consumer-centered services that are strengths-based, develop assets, and are mobile throughout the community.


• Provides prevention, initial contact, intake, ongoing crisis intervention, supportive counseling, advocacy, and solution-focused decision-making services for high-impact target populations.


• Manages case files for up to 50 individuals who are homeless/unhoused, have substance use disorder, are at greater risk for exploitation, and/or are experiencing mental illness; provides comprehensive stabilization services and supports the provision and attainment of curbside services.


• Participates in the delivery of services as part of a team working alternative hours to reach the most disenfranchised and disconnected populations.


• Collaborates with service providers to engage consumers, assess needs, provide topical information, and connect consumers to services that meet identified needs.


• Develops and maintains assessments, individualized service plans, and service coordination activities for children, youth, and families.


• Advocates on behalf of consumers with community providers and provides accompaniment services as needed.


• Mobilizes consumers to connect with positive community activities, including Drop-in Centers.


• Provides transportation or support participants in arranging transportation as needed


• Follows up on referrals to ensure clients’ needs have been appropriately met.


• Creates and maintains plans for outreach activities and topical information for dissemination.


• Develops and maintains positive community relationships, service linkages, and partnerships; collaborates with community groups and agencies and engages in public relations activities to promote program outreach services and activities.


• Maintains accurate, up-to-date records of all contacts, collects statistical data, and completes data entry.


• Completes all required electronic records, case notes, statistical reports, program documentation, and documentation for billable services.


• Enters required information into HMIS, RHY-HMIS, and other agency-approved data systems.


• Adheres to all applicable local, state, federal, and agency regulations, policies, and procedures.


• Provides daily rotating coverage of initial contacts, intakes, and the crisis hotline as assigned, and provides on-call crisis intervention and drop-in coverage on a rotating basis as scheduled.


• Attends training, staff meetings, conferences, and seminars as assigned.


• Serves as a representative on internal and/or external committees or at meetings.


• Manages the maintenance, inventory control, and cleaning of program vehicles & program supplies.


• Assists with updates to and maintenance of program policies and procedures


• Assumes other program-related tasks as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with youth, families, community agencies, and stakeholders.


• Must be understanding and empathetic to the needs of disenfranchised people.


• Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of trauma-informed care, positive youth development, and strengths-based service delivery


• Must be familiar with program and agency policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.


• Must have the ability to work well with others, be a positive role model and a good representative of the Agency.


• Must have public speaking skills and creativity for making presentations on sensitive issues to various groups.


• Must exhibit willingness to actively participate in activities with consumers.


• Must model appropriate problem resolution and living skills.


• Must be able to facilitate educational and recreational activities and actively participate in activities with consumers.


• Must be able to work independently as well as an intricate member of a team.


• Must maintain a high degree of confidentiality and exhibit professionalism, good judgment, and flexibility.


• Must have the ability to work with populations with special needs, including those that may exhibit aggressive behaviors.


• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and group facilitation.


• Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the needs of the program; must participate in 24 hour on-call emergency services on a rotating basis.


• Must exhibit a detailed knowledge of regulations, services, rights and responsibilities for the population served.


• Must attend staff meetings and training as required.


• Must have acceptable physical and mental health to carry out the responsibilities of the position.


• Travel throughout the county is required; must possess a valid NYS Driver's License with driving record within Agency policy and have access to a reliable vehicle.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree in Behavioral or Social Science field plus two years experience working with children, youth and/or families; and/or


• Any equivalent combination of experience and training relevant to this position.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.