Community Outreach Specialist - Roseland - YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

POSITION TITLE: Community Outreach Specialist STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 1

DEPT:Safety and Wellness PROGRAM: Health Promotion & Navigation SALARY: $42K/yr

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Case Management SUPERVISES: N/A

SUMMARY Community Outreach Specialist (COS) is responsible for identifying, collaborating with and educating community partners in order to support YWCA clients in achieving positive health outcomes, reaching self-sufficiency and achieving overall wellness.

COLLABORATES WITH: Collaborates advocacy, counseling, case management and health navigation program staff, clients and members, marketing & development and community partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services: Establish and maintain relationships with key community partners to support positive health outcomes and self-sufficiency for YWCA clients. Collaborate with community partners in promoting service access to YWCA clients. Educate community partners regarding the health and self-sufficiency needs of YWCA clients and YWCA services. Plan and implement community outreach programs focused on designated health/wellness concerns and increasing awareness. Identify community resources that will assist clients in accessing medical care, mental health services, housing, childcare and employment assistance, etc. Support the design and distribution of community educational materials. Promote YWCA services to community members. Coordinate external and internal information sharing. Remain aware of current services offered across the YWCA. Remain up to date regarding available community services. Maintain client confidentiality according to HIPAA, ICASA, YWCA Confidentiality Standards and other funder regulations.

Member Data Management: Maintain all data entry and statistical records for multiple funding sources regarding community outreach services performed. Maintain member confidentiality as required by law and funding sources.

Professional Development & Program Services Knowledge: Collaborate with advocacy, counseling, case management and health navigation and participate in team meetings. Participate in regular reflective supervision meetings as required. 40 hours sexual assault training required for SVSS Staff.

Community Engagement: Create, cultivate, and deepen strategic partnerships with public and private organizations to establish valuable and responsive referral connections. Assist in the planning and implementation of special events and/or programs. Publicly promote available services. Participate in community events. Assist with planning and implementing special programs.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS: One year of community or customer service experience is required. A current driver’s license, verifiable good driving record and reliable transportation required. Verifiable connection with a trusted community group, organization, or institution. Preference for bilingual/multilingual (English and Spanish) written and spoken. The position requires prior experience with Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook. Demonstrated public speaking, writing and presentation skills with well-developed organizational and problem-solving skills. Initiative-taker with strong time management skills.

Demonstrated skills for the position relate to collaboration, communication, and skilled public speaking abilities; prior experience in community engagement is advantageous. The COS must have the ability to diplomatically present information and work effectively with the public; skills in cultural competency are necessary. Team collaborations require the demonstrated ability to interact with other members of the work group.

The COS must possess the ability to effectively manage shifting priorities and respond effectively to crises and changing circumstances. The COS must possess a high tolerance for chaos and high-stress situations, with a service orientation.

*Note: A bilingual Community Outreach Specialist who works with a foreign language speaking community must demonstrate cultural competency with that community and fluency in both English and the community’s language (oral and written).

EDUCATION REQUIRED: A High School diploma, or GED, is required. Must have previous experience with community work. (I.e. Advocacy, volunteer, etc.).

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: Complete the ICASA forty-hour sexual assault crisis intervention training within thirty days of employment start date (if not completed within the prior two years).

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The COS must be available for a flexible schedule, which includes on-call shifts, during workdays, weekends, and travel locally to provide services to members. The work environment includes offices and other community locations depending on events. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping, or kneeling. There may be a need to reach or to lift objects, such as packages or supplies. Communication needs include seeing, hearing, and speaking. There will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone and using computers. Work will be completed with individuals, small and large groups. Reasonable accommodations will be made for an incumbent to meet the essentials responsibilities of the position

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. This position may require work on some evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.