Park Ambassador

Description

Hudson River Housing improves lives and communities through housing with compassion and development with vision. We are dedicated to building strong, sustainable communities by developing and preserving quality affordable housing and helping families and individuals obtain and maintain housing through education, advocacy and support services. 

We are a committed group of people from all backgrounds who care deeply about our community and want to make it a better place.

Position: Park Ambassador 

General Description: 

The Park Ambassador will operate with a neighborhood lens, with Park Ambassadors attending to major youth-serving parks in the Northside of Poughkeepsie. Priority parks will be Malcolm X Park, Pershing Park, and Earline Patrice (Mansion Square) Park. 

Principal Duties:

Park Ambassador Responsibilities

1. Youth Advocacy 

· Build relationships with community members, parents, and youth program providers 

· Ensure children and families feel welcome and safe in parks 

· Track and promote recreation and youth programs for shared use of space 

· Identify park needs and communicate them to the City of Poughkeepsie Department of Public Works 

2. Community Engagement & De-escalation 

· Engage as ambassadors to the parks. with respect and empathy toward all park users 

· De-escalate conflicts and redirect prohibited activities away from youth spaces 

· Maintain visible presence to deter unsafe behavior 

· Activate a crisis, safety, and emergency protocol as needed 

3. Resource Navigation 

· Provide information about housing, substance use treatment, harm reduction, food access, and crisis support 

· Provide crisis support as needed 

· Carry outreach materials (flyers, cards, contact info for local service providers) 

· Only provide resources to those who are willing to accept them 

4. Park Upkeep 

· Perform minor litter pickup 

· Dispose of needles and other substance paraphernalia using proper safety gear provided 

· Report maintenance needs (e.g., broken playground equipment, lighting issues) 

5. Data Collection & Reporting 

· Track incidents, outreach efforts, and daily observations 

· Submit weekly reports to program supervisor 

· Contribute to annual evaluation of program impact 

· Avoid taking photos of park users 

Required Trainings (Provided upon hire): 

• Park Ambassadorship 

• Youth Safety & Mandated Reporting 

• Trauma-Informed Care 

• Harm Reduction & De-escalation Techniques 

• Narcan (Naloxone) Administration 

• Mental Health First Aid 

• Conflict Mediation 

• Safe Sharps Disposal & Sanitation Practices 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Good knowledge of security procedures, de-escalation and crisis management; ability and willingness to communicate and interact with the public and secure cooperation without unnecessary antagonism; ability to perform basic park maintenance and upkeep; ability to keep records and make reports; honesty and dependability; good observational skills; mental alertness; good moral character; excellent physical condition; sound professional judgment; ability to work weekend days if needed; Comfortable walking and working outdoors for extended hours and in various weather conditions 

Preferred Qualifications: 

· Background in security services 

· Lived experience or background in social services, peer support, or community engagement; experience working with youth, homeless populations, or individuals with substance use/mental health challenges 

· Familiarity with the Northside of Poughkeepsie and its community 

· Bilingual (Spanish-English) skills are a plus

Salary: $20.00 per hour/30 hours per week 

Location:  Poughkeepsie, NY

Immediate Supervisor: Supportive Housing Navigator

Equity is a core value at Hudson River Housing. We believe in promoting a culture that decenters bias, celebrates difference, enhances equitable communication, and nurtures relationship building.

It is important to us that community members have access to stable means of economic growth. We are continually committed to hiring from within our community including applicants with lived experience that can inform and strengthen our work. 

Hudson River Housing is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin (including ancestry), religion, gender or sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), alienage or citizenship status (unless required by law), disability, reproductive health decision making (including, but not limited to, the decision to use or access a particular drug, device, or medical service), marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, military status, unemployment status, genetic information (including genetic characteristics), or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws. Hudson River Housing is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy with respect to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.