Community Outreach Worker at Black Lives Matter Paterson

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $35 hourlyThe 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. PCCCs mission is rooted in:Responding to conflict and crisis with care-centered, non-punitive approachesProviding community members with skills and resources to prevent destructive conflict and crisisIdentifying and advocating for structural changes that reduce harm, prevent criminalization, and limit interactions with police and prison systemsTo 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 DescriptionOutreach Workers are frontline ambassadors for PCCC. Their role is to meet community members where they areon sidewalks, in parks, at corner stores, in encampments, and at community eventsand 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 & DutiesOutreach & Community Engagement (80%)Canvas neighborhoods and distribute informational materials about PCCC and care-based crisis responseEngage residents in conversations about their safety needs, available supports, and alternatives to police involvementBuild relationships with individuals who may experience mental health crises, substance use, or instabilitySupport sub-grantee partners and community organizations during outreach events and resource distributionsDocument interactions, observations, and community feedback to strengthen outreach strategiesReflection & Program Input (20%)Participate in team debriefs, planning sessions, and reflective conversationsShare insights from field outreach to inform program growth and community engagement strategiesEngage in ongoing learning to support effective, non-judgmental communicationHours & CompensationMonday Friday10:00 AM 3:00 PMPart-time position$35/hourWho You AreWe 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 challengesAre energized by working with people and building trust in the communityAre non-judgmental, compassionate communicatorsSupport alternatives to policing and believe in care-based approachesAre comfortable engaging people outdoors, in groups, and one-on-oneAre curious, reflective, and willing to grow in the roleAre multi-lingual (preferred but not required)