Community Outreach Worker

Black Lives Matter Paterson; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 41,328 - 55,104; Part time

Job summary

Black Lives Matter Paterson is looking for Part-Time Outreach Workers to join the Paterson Compassionate Care Collaborative. The role involves canvassing neighborhoods, providing information on care-based crisis responses, and building trust within the community.

Ideal candidates share lived experiences with the community, are compassionate communicators, and are comfortable engaging people one-on-one and in groups. This part-time role offers a pay rate of $35 per hour.

Qualifications

• Comfortable engaging individuals from all walks of life.
• Experience with crisis, housing instability, or mental health challenges preferred but not required.
• Understanding of non-police models of care.

Responsibilities

• Canvas neighborhoods and distribute information about PCCC.
• Engage residents in discussions about safety and support available.
• Build relationships with individuals facing mental health crises.

Skills

Community engagement

Compassionate communication

Trust-building

Crisis response knowledge

Multi-lingual

Job description

The Paterson Compassionate Care Collaborative (PCCC), housed under Black Lives Matter Paterson, is building toward the pilot of an unarmed, non‑police response and community‑building program. PCCC’s mission is rooted in:

• Responding to conflict and crisis with care‑centered, non‑punitive approaches
• Providing community members with skills and resources to prevent destructive conflict and crisis
• Identifying and advocating for structural changes that reduce harm, prevent criminalization, and limit interactions with police and prison systems

To advance this work, we are hiring Part‑Time Outreach Workers to canvas neighborhoods, distribute information, and proactively engage individuals and families who may be at risk of experiencing a crisis. Outreach Workers build trust, increase awareness of care‑based options, and reduce reliance on 911 for crisis response.

Role Description

Outreach Workers are frontline ambassadors for PCCC. Their role is to meet community members where they are—on sidewalks, in parks, at corner stores, in encampments, and at community events—and share resources that strengthen safety and connection.

This position is ideal for someone deeply rooted in Paterson, comfortable talking with people from all walks of life, and committed to promoting non‑police models of care. Outreach Workers help identify emerging needs, observe patterns within neighborhoods, and offer insights that support program development.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Outreach & Community Engagement (80%)

• Canvas neighborhoods and distribute informational materials about PCCC and care‑based crisis response
• Engage residents in conversations about their safety needs, available supports, and alternatives to police involvement
• Build relationships with individuals who may experience mental health crises, substance use, or instability
• Support sub‑grantee partners and community organizations during outreach events and resource distributions
• Document interactions, observations, and community feedback to strengthen outreach strategies

Reflection & Program Input (20%)

• Participate in team debriefs, planning sessions, and reflective conversations
• Share insights from field outreach to inform program growth and community engagement strategies
• Engage in ongoing learning to support effective, non‑judgmental communication

Hours & Compensation

• Monday – Friday
• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Part‑time position
• $35/hour

Who You Are

We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences reflect the communities we serve.

Ideal candidates

• Are peers to those who may use the crisis response program, through personal or family experience with crisis, housing instability, substance use, or mental health challenges
• Are energized by working with people and building trust in the community
• Are non‑judgmental, compassionate communicators
• Support alternatives to policing and believe in care‑based approaches
• Are comfortable engaging people outdoors, in groups, and one‑on‑one; Are curious, reflective, and willing to grow in the role
• Are multi‑lingual (preferred but not required)