Hybrid Cool Buddy Ambassador bei Black Cultural Zone CDC

Description

Position Summary: 

The BCZCDC  seeks dedicated and compassionate Cool Buddy Ambassadors to directly provide crucial support to vulnerable individuals during extreme heat events. This role is part of the Libeartion Park Resilience Hub (LPSH), funded by the State of California Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP). As a vital member of our field team, you will engage with and assist residents most susceptible to heat stress, including medically fragile and unhoused individuals, ensuring their safety and connection to resources.

Designated Teams: Groups and Initiatives

• Team: Community Engagement
• Group: Community Life
• Initiative/Program: Liberation Park Resilience Hub/Cool Buddy Ambassador

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Resident Support & Engagement:

• Conduct regular outreach and check-ins with vulnerable residents via phone, text, email, and, if needed and on occasion, in person, particularly medically fragile and unhoused individuals, in assigned corridors during heat waves to assess their well-being and offer assistance.
• Provide immediate, crucial support to individuals exhibiting signs of heat stress by connecting them to appropriate resources and escalating needs to the team lead or emergency services.
• Effectively communicate with vulnerable individuals in sensitive situations, demonstrating compassion and understanding.

Resource Connection & Awareness:

• Identify individuals and populations at risk during extreme heat events and ensure they receive timely and crucial support, including hydration, cooling resources, and information.
• Engage with the community to raise awareness about heat vulnerability and the importance of heat safety practices.
• Distribute informational materials and connect residents to cooling centers, water, and other support services.

Reporting & Program Support:

• Maintain accurate records of resident interactions and support provided, contributing to the Cool Buddy database.
• Collect feedback and data from resident interactions to help assess program effectiveness and inform future improvements.
• Adhere to program guidelines and safety protocols during all interactions and activities.
• Report critical incidents or immediate needs to the appropriate team lead or emergency services.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Interpersonal & Communication:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain strong community relationships and engage effectively with diverse populations, particularly vulnerable individuals.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively in challenging situations.
• Practical & Organizational:
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, especially in identifying and addressing immediate resident needs.
  • Attention to detail, even under pressure, is particularly important in reporting interactions and observations.
  • Time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines for reporting and outreach schedules.
  • Familiarity with and basic skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and email software for documentation.
• Specific Knowledge:
  • Basic knowledge of heat stress identification (not for medical diagnosis or treatment).
  • Understanding of the needs and challenges faced by unhoused and medically fragile populations.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in direct outreach or support roles with vulnerable populations (e.g., unhoused, elderly, medically fragile).
• Bilingual abilities (e.g., Spanish, Cantonese, etc., depending on community needs).
• Familiarity with local community resources for unhoused individuals or those experiencing heat stress.

Physical Demands:

Essential functions of the position require the employee to use a telephone, work at a standard computer terminal, and be able to follow reasonable ergonomic recommendations, sit for long periods of time, perform repetitive motions, stand, reach, lift and carry 20 pounds, and bend.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The Leads certify that this ROLE DESCRIPTION is an accurate description of the responsibilities assigned to the position.