OUTREACH SPECIALIST

NYC Department of Social Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Department of Social Services is seeking three Community Associates to serve as Outreach Specialists within the Public Engagement Unit. The role emphasizes engaging New Yorkers through canvassing, calls, and texting, assessing needs, and guiding them to housing benefits and other City services.

Responsibilities include ongoing case management, responding to Tenant Helpline inquiries, and coordinating with community groups and agency partners for outreach and program support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or related duties.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus for outreach activities.

Responsibilities

• Engage New Yorkers through outreach tactics including door-to-door canvassing, phone calls, and peer-to-peer texting to assess needs and inform about City services.
• Provide ongoing case management to enable access to benefits, with a focus on housing services.
• Respond to incoming calls from the Tenant Helpline.
• Maintain ongoing reporting and communication with supervisor and stakeholders.
• Liaise with community organizations and agency partners to assist with outreach efforts.

Skills

Outreach

Community engagement

Communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Canvassing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

PEU is seeking three (3) Community Associates to function as Outreach Specialists 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.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - 56057

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• 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


• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to \"1\" above.

Preferred Skills

1 year of experience with community, issue, labor, or political organizing. Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to engage people in conversation. Strong written and oral communication skills in English Spanish is a plus outreach skills Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced work environment. Ability to closely track metrics and outcomes and be detail‑oriented and organized. Familiarity with New York City government, housing issues, and a commitment to helping others are preferred. Willingness to learn, be flexible and adapt to work assignments in a variety of situations and problem solve.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.