Outreach Advocate

About the Role:

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Outreach Advocate to join our team. As an Outreach Advocate, you will provide direct services to individuals of all ages, including those who are homeless, have substance use disorders, or are at risk for HIV/HCV. You will work independently and as part of a team to provide outreach services throughout the county, including street outreach and drop-in center activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide continuous comprehensive, non-judgmental, consumer-centered services that are strength-based and mobile throughout the community.
• Provide prevention, initial contact, and intake services, as well as crisis intervention and supportive counseling.
• Develop and maintain assessments, individualized service plans, and service coordination activities for children, youth, and families.
• Assess needs, provide topical information, and assist consumers in connecting to services that meet identified needs.
• Advocate on behalf of consumers with other community providers and provide accompaniment services as needed.
• Mobilize consumers to connect with positive activities in the community, including Drop-in Centers.
• Provide or support participants in arranging transportation as needed.
• Follow up on referrals to ensure client needs have been appropriately met.
• Develop and maintain plans for outreach activities and topical information for dissemination.
• Develop and maintain positive community relationships and engage in public relation activities for programs.
• Collaborate with community partners in the development and implementation of joint protocols to ensure compliance with regulations and eligibility requirements.

Requirements:

• Associates degree in a Behavioral or Social Science field, plus two years of experience working with children, youth, and/or families, or any equivalent combination of experience and training relevant to this position.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful professional relationships with community members and agencies.
• Understanding and empathy for the needs of disenfranchised individuals.
• Familiarity with program and agency policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work well with others, be a positive role model, and a good representative of the Agency.
• Public speaking skills and creativity for making presentations on sensitive issues to various groups.
• Willingness to actively participate in activities with consumers.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and exhibit professionalism, good judgment, and flexibility.
• Ability to work with populations with special needs, including those that may exhibit aggressive behaviors.
• Flexibility with work schedule to meet the needs of the program, including 24-hour on-call emergency services on a rotating basis.

What We Offer:

• 37.5 hours per week / 52 weeks per year
• Schedule varies, flexibility required as some evenings and Saturdays may be required
• Grade 9 - Non-Exempt

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer 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.