Outreach Specialist

 Competencies

1. Client Engagement & Relationship Building

• Ability to build trust and rapport with LGBTQ homeless and runaway youth.
• Skilled in active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental support.
• Engages youth through in-person and internet outreach methods.

2. Cultural Competency & Sensitivity

• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to the needs of LGBTQ populations.
• Respects diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and lived experience.
• Understands and practices trauma-informed care.

3. Communication Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication, including the ability to convey information clearly to clients, providers, and community partners.
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and deliver presentations to schools and community organizations.

4. Crisis Intervention & Counseling

• Competence in providing crisis counseling and mediation.
• Responds calmly and effectively in high-stress or emergency situations.

5. Collaboration & Teamwork

• Works effectively with the street outreach team, day center staff, and case managers.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and planning sessions.

6. Community Outreach & Networking

• Builds partnerships with schools, CBOs, coalitions, and health providers.
• Represents AFC in external meetings and community events.
• Promotes services through networking and social media outreach.

7. Documentation & Data Management

• Accurately completes intake assessments and compiles data for monthly reports.
• Maintains organized records and reports in alignment with program standards.

• Ability to navigate and engage youth via social networking sites for outreach purposes.

8. Knowledge of HIV/STI/HCV & Harm Reduction

• General understanding of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and related harm reduction strategies.
• Able to provide youth with basic prevention education and referrals.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills.
•  Cultural consciousness and competency required.
• General knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infection harm reduction strategies. 
• Superior knowledge of outreach on social marketing sites a plus. 
• At least two years of direct work with LGBT youth.
•  Bilingual speaker preferred.
•  Must be able to work flexible day, evening and weekend hours.
• Must be able to work flexible day, evening and weekend hours.

Technical Skills 

• Computer literacy, including knowledge of basic software applications (Google suite).
• Familiarity with the internet and email communications.
• Enters data and produces reports using agency systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License preferred; minimum of five (5) years of driving experience required.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS & PTO

• Paid sick, vacation, personal, 12 holidays 
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 4O1k (matching) 
• EAP program 

Bilingual (Spanish) speaking candidates are encouraged to apply. Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.

The Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.