About the role
Job Description
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.
The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) identifies and executes proactive strategies to connect New Yorkers to key City services. Relying heavily on data analytics, new technologies, and large-scale outreach tactics, the unit identifies New Yorkers in need of assistance and helps them navigate and obtain City services.
The Public Engagement Unit consists of teams of specialists who are trained to effectively engage New Yorkers and connect them with vital resources. The Unit uses data to identify demographics that likely want or need city services; and works with partner agencies, elected officials, community groups, non-profit organizations, and service providers to engage directly with communities and subject matter experts in all five boroughs. The unit is frequently involved in citywide events, special projects in conjunction with multiple city agencies, and targeted days of action.
The NYC Public Engagement Unit recruiting for one (1) Community Associate to function as an Outreach Specialist who will:
- Engage New Yorkers through various outreach tactics including door-to-door canvassing, phone calls, and peer-to-peer texting to assess their needs and inform them of relevant City services and resources.
- Provide ongoing case management to enable New Yorkers to access benefits, with a primary focus on housing benefits and services.
- Conduct outreach Days of Action and other community events.
- Respond to incoming calls from the Tenant Helpline.
- Maintain ongoing reporting and communication with their assigned supervisor.
- Liaise with stakeholders in the community, including community-based organizations and agency partners.
- Assist with partners’ outreach efforts to provide additional resources and information to New Yorkers city-wide.
- Assist with special projects, as needed.
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm or Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 am – 6:30pm
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057
Qualifications
Qualification Requirements 1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or 2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.