
E1 - Outreach Specialist - Transit - Sunday-Thursday 2pm-10:30pm
Required skills
- street-based outreach
- transit locations
- housing services
- medical services
- mental health services
- substance use services
- assessments
- referrals
- partner agencies
- driver's license
Nice to have
- outreach experience
- social services experience
- behavioral health experience
- homelessness
- mental illness
- substance use
Role summary
BRC's Transit Homeless Outreach team is seeking an Outreach Specialist to engage directly with individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City's transit system. This field-based role involves building trust, connecting clients to essential services (housing, medical, mental health, substance use), completing assessments, and documenting interactions. Ideal for early-career professionals in social work, public health, or human services, the position offers hands-on experience, training in harm reduction and trauma-informed care, and professional development opportunities. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, a valid driver's license, and basic computer proficiency are required. Bilingual candidates and those with prior outreach or social services experience are preferred.
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
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