Outreach Specialist

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put our heart and soul into everything we do.

We are seeking a PAD Outreach Specialist to join our team at our program in the Philadelphia, PA - Kensington location.

The Police Assisted Diversion (PAD) Outreach Specialist works in partnership with the Office of Public Safety, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and other community organizations to help divert individuals from the criminal justice system and connect them with appropriate social, behavioral health, and recovery services.

As a first point of contact, the Outreach Specialist conducts needs assessments and provides individualized support to help participants identify and achieve their goals. Services may include substance use assessments, shelter placement assessments, outpatient treatment referrals, Crisis Response Center (CRC) warm handoffs, assistance for stranded travelers, benefits navigation, and linkage to community-based resources.

Outreach Specialists may also respond to quality-of-life and non-violent behavioral health-related calls, including possible overdoses, welfare checks, disorderly conduct incidents, and other community concerns. This position requires strong engagement skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to helping individuals navigate Philadelphia's behavioral health and social service systems with dignity and respect.

This position is PRN.

Earn $22.80 an hour.

Benefits

Merakey offers benefits tailored to support your unique work arrangements.

• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• Voluntary limited benefits offered through the American Worker. Offerings include limited* medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. (*not a substitute for major medical insurance)
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).\
• Enjoy our On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey.

Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting.
• Ability to work in a team setting. 
• Proficient computer skills to perform job duties including but not limited to desktop computing, email, time sheet management, electronic health records, using Microsoft Office and Google Applications, and other relevant software.
• Ability to enter data on a mobile handheld device while in the field.
• Must possess a valid and active driver's license.
• Must have knowledge and an understanding of recovery principles and recovery driven service system.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with city personnel including to but not limited to the Office of Public Safety, Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) partners, Philadelphia Fire Department, internal, external partners. 
• Bilingual candidates preferred. 
• Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) are highly encouraged to apply.