Outreach Specialist - Ali Forney Center : Job Details

Job DetailsLevel Entry Job Location New York, NY Position Type Full Time Education Level High School Salary Range $49140.00 Salary/year Job Shift Day DescriptionORGANIZATION OVERVIEW The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive. POSITION OVERVIEW This position is responsible for performing direct mobile and street outreach to LGBTQ homeless, runaway and street based LGBTQ youth and organizational outreach to community providers in order to connect youth to needed services through a referral process, escorting clients, reconnecting clients to their case managers, identifying new clients and connecting them to AFC, and connecting to clients on the internet via social networking sites. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with street outreach team to actively engage young people on the street and at places where LGBTQ homeless, runaway and street-based youth congregate in order to connect them to services.
• Provide internet based outreach by using social marketing websites to inform youth of AFC services and educate youth around HIV/STI/HCV prevention.
• Cultivate relationships with schools, community-based organizations and coalitions by attending community events and by facilitating informational groups for our targeted population at other organizations.
• Represent the Ali Forney Center at community and provider meetings.
• Escort clients to case management and other appointments.
• Provide intake assessments.
• Provide crisis counseling, mediation, coverage and group activities at the Day Center.
• Facilitate psycho educational groups.
• Attend weekly treatment planning meeting, Day Center staff meeting, AFC clinical meeting, and individual supervision.
• Compile data for monthly reports and other statistical purposes.
• Other duties as assigned.

QualificationsQUALIFICATIONSCompetencies1. 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.