TITLE: Outreach & Program Specialist, Community Central

LOCATION: 33 Church Street, White Plains, NY 10601 (at Grace Church)

REPORTS TO: Director, Strategic Programs

SHIFT/HOURS: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

SALARY: $52,000 – 55,000

FLSA: Non-Exempt

STATUS: Full-time, 40 hours

SUMMARY:

Lifting Up Westchester has operated a community kitchen since 1974. We serve free, nutritious meals (breakfast and lunch) Monday through Friday, all year long, to an average of 100 people daily. The community kitchen has evolved into a welcoming and supportive community center (“Community Central”) that offers socialization, support services, and wellness programs in addition to meal services.

We have an exciting opportunity for a creative and service-oriented professional with excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills. The Outreach & Program Specialist provides direct consultation and assists guests of Community Central to access benefits and services if they are not already working with a case manager. This position will also help develop and “host” life skills and support programs that promote stability and personal independence. Finally, the Specialist serves as a liaison to unsheltered individuals in White Plains linking them to LUW’s shelters and other services and providers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provide support to individuals at Community Central and through targeted outreach to unsheltered individuals in White Plains including:

o Collecting, becoming familiar with and disseminating information about Westchester resources and services.

o Assessing individual needs and directly assisting or making referrals.

o Accompanying guests to appointments to advocate for support (e.g. DSS, SSI), if needed.

o Entering case notes and services provided in database weekly.

· Responding to phone/email requests for information and referrals.

· Facilitate programs related to life skills, navigate social services and obtain benefits.

· Input program participation in Lifting Up Westchester’s database as a backup for the Support Specialist.

· Foster a warm, welcoming environment at Community Central by getting to know and engaging with guests to better understand their needs.

· Be creative and identify new ways to improve programs and raise awareness of programs as part of the Community Central team.

· Participate in internal and external meetings with community collaborators.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree in human services or other related degree (preferred), but related work experience can be substituted.

· Minimum of 3 years of experience working in human services.

· Bilingual in English & Spanish languages (a must).

· Experience working with people who are experiencing homelessness.

· Compassion, tact, patience, and kindness are necessary to succeed in this position.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Strong organizational skills.

· Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills (preferred); willingness to receive trauma-informed training

· Strong team approach.

· Solid computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data entry required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adults

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• White Plains, NY 10601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• White Plains, NY 10601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person