Pros
I worked as an Outreach Health Worker with the ACCESS Care Management agency at Argus for 6 years. It became an all time favorite position in my 30 year work history in various fields. I got to travel (with MetroCard reimbursement) and explore the ins and outs of the city everyday. Meet and help folks where they're at. Like the beach? Work with clients in Far Rockaway and end in the field. Art Galleries? Take a list of clients from downtown Manhattan to work with and visit SOHO on your lunch break.
Working outreach has benefited me in my current office bound Case Manager position: clients tell me what part of the city they are from, and I can immediately identify with them by my recollection of every bodega and stray cat in their neighborhood. Also, I have no need for GPS after this position since I can now walk from East Flatbush to Co-op City without a map; thus, if you like to walk, this is mosdef the gig for you.
Benefits are excellent, particularly in comparison with other non-profits. The following are all paid: 4 weeks vacation after 2 years (2 weeks your first year; many agencies cap vacation at 3 weeks after 2 years), 12 agency holidays observed/year (many agencies unpaid and observe only 5), 2 personal days/year, 12 sick days/year (common limit is 5 elsewhere). In addition, 401K matched 8 percent (superb!), medical/visual/dental health benefits, Aflac (dig the duck), and life insurance by Prudential (3x yearly salary).
Cons
Could it pay more? Sure, just like any other agency.
Can it be stressful? You bet - welcome to the American workforce.
