Transit System Based Outreach Specialist - PENN - Thursday-Monday 11pm-7:30am

Bowery Residents' Committee; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid sick time Day One

Vacation time (3+ weeks)

403(b) with employer match

Tuition assistance

Career advancement opportunities

Staff wellbeing

Job summary

Bowery Residents' Committee (BRC) is seeking an Outreach Specialist for the Transit Homeless Outreach team in New York City. This full-time, field-based role conducts compassionate, street-based outreach at transit locations to connect individuals with housing and essential services.

You will document interactions, complete brief assessments, and collaborate with partner agencies to support clients’ stability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trust and work effectively in the field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct street-based outreach in transit locations.
• Connect clients to housing, medical, mental health, and substance use services.
• Complete brief assessments, provide escorts, and make referrals.
• Document outreach activity and client interactions.
• Work primarily at high-need areas, including end-of-line stations.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and outreach teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

Travel readiness

Basic computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Outreach Specialist – Transit Homeless Outreach

Full-Time | 37.5 hours/week | Field-Based | 24/7 Program

Do Work That Actually Changes Lives

Every night, hundreds of New Yorkers sleep in the subway system. BRC’s Transit Homeless Outreach team meets them where they are—building trust and helping individuals transition into housing and stability.

As an Outreach Specialist, you’ll engage directly with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, providing hands‑on support and guidance. This role is ideal for early‑career professionals pursuing social work, public health, or human services.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct compassionate, street‑based outreach in transit locations
• Connect clients to housing, medical, mental health, and substance use services
• Complete brief assessments, provide escorts, and make referrals
• Document outreach activity and client interactions
• Work primarily at high‑need areas, including end‑of‑line stations
• Collaborate with partner agencies and outreach teams

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience in outreach, assessment, and housing navigation within NYC’s homeless services system
• Training in harm reduction, trauma‑informed care, and Housing First
• Supervision, mentorship, and clear internal growth pathways
• Tuition assistance and professional development support
• CPR/First Aid certification provided

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trust and work effectively in the field
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel across boroughs
• Basic computer skills

Preferred

• Experience in outreach, social services, or behavioral health
• Interest in working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or substance use
• Bilingual (Spanish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, or Korean)

Internal candidates (e.g., Community Technicians with 6+ months experience) are encouraged to apply.

Working Environment

This is a highly active, field‑based role. You must be comfortable:

• Working in transit stations, public spaces, and outdoor environments in all weather
• Engaging individuals in crisis or with complex behavioral health needs
• Working closely with individuals who may have limited access to hygiene and personal care and may present with unmet self‑care needs
• Standing, walking, and traveling for extended periods

Schedule

• Full‑time, 37.5 hours/week
• Day, evening, and overnight shifts available

What We Offer

• Medical benefits and paid sick time starting Day One
• 3+ weeks vacation, 12 holidays, plus personal time
• 403(b) with employer match
• Tuition assistance and career advancement opportunities
• A mission‑driven team committed to staff wellbeing