The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) identifies and executes proactive strategies to connect New Yorkers to key city services and resources. PEU is pioneering a new model for government that meets New Yorkers in their community – where they live and work – providing individualized and in-person assistance to help increase awareness of and access to a wide range of public programs, including those related to tenants’ rights, affordable housing, homelessness prevention and reduction, and healthcare. PEU uses innovative technology, outreach methods and case-management strategies to help individual New Yorkers, making the city more inclusive, healthier and diverse.

PEU exists to build relationships between New Yorkers and their government. It gives vulnerable, often disconnected New Yorkers a personal access point to the City through outreach specialists who speak their language and are often from their neighborhood. PEU partners closely with elected officials, community-based organizations and City agencies to engage directly with community members across the five boroughs.

The Public Engagement Unit consists of teams of specialists who are trained to engage New Yorkers and connect them with vital resources. The Unit 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 consists of the following outreach teams:

Home Support Unit:
The Home Support Unit (HSU) partners with the Department of Homeless Services and community-based organizations to identify and facilitate the rental of affordable, long-term housing to New Yorkers who are transitioning out of shelter and receive rental subsidies.

Rent Freeze Team:
The Rent Freeze team conducts outreach in various neighborhoods and holds community events to help senior citizens and people with disabilities enroll in the Department of Finance’s rent freeze and homeowner tax exemption programs, which help New Yorkers living on fixed incomes, continue affording their homes.

Tenant Support Unit:
The Tenant Support Unit (TSU) engages and provides assistance to New Yorkers in all 5 boroughs that may be at risk of displacement or landlord harassment. Outreach specialists reach out to tenants to inform them of their rights, identify housing-related issues and connect them with a range of resources, such as anti-eviction legal assistance, to keep them stably housed in their community.

Universal Access to Counsel Team:
The Universal Access to Counsel (UATC) team helps tenants with an active housing court case or in a NYCHA housing proceeding receive free legal assistance through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice. UATC launched in select zip codes in 2018 and will eventually be available citywide.

The Public Engagement Unit is recruiting for ten (10) Community Associates to function as PEU Outreach Specialists.

The PEU Outreach Specialist responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

- 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 navigate how to access benefits.

- Maintain ongoing reporting and communication with their assigned supervisor.

- Liaise with stakeholders in the community, including community-based organizations and
agency partners.

- Assist with the City of New York’s Public Engagement Unit and its partners’ outreach efforts to
provide additional resources and information to New Yorkers.

- Assist with special projects, as needed.

Qualification Requirements
1. 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
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

- 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. - Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment. - Willingness to learn, be flexible and adapt to work assignments in a variety of situations and problem solving.

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.

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.