PAD 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.

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.

• High School Diploma or GED required
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a human service agency, preferably in a drug and alcohol setting preferred
• 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.