Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist jobs in Chesapeake, VA

Community Outreach Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW: The Community Outreach Specialist is a pivotal position within Uplift and the Power of U. The role of the COS is to advance the mission of the agency while promoting pro-social activities within the community they serve. Activities will include, but not be limited to Substance Abuse Prevention, Early

Intervention and Aftercare services. Services provided will be directed towards the general population or towards individuals in targeted high risk groups who are not in need of treatment in order to reduce the incidence of health related problems and promote positive behaviors and well-being The specific program goal is to provide youth and their families the opportunities to learn positive, productive and alternative ways to live life without the negative effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and to divert more severe mental health issues. In addition the goal is to delay the onset of use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in youth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

➢ Represent the agency in the community to include courts, treatment team meetings, community collaborative, PTA meetings, and any other community location that identified consumers may be.

➢ Communicate clearly with key stakeholders to shine a positive light on the agency and its programs.

➢ Be familiar with ALL agency initiatives in order to speak knowledgeably to key stakeholders and community members.

➢ Identify potential consumers for agency initiatives and ensure they are properly processed and are directed towards the most appropriate initiative.

➢ Assess the awareness of children and adolescents relative to substance abuse prevention

➢ Identifies and contacts community organizations and schools to promote substance abuse prevention services.

➢ Completes treatment plans, intakes and any other documentation needed for the proper processing and maintenance of the case.

➢ Oversees the planning, organization and coordination of substance abuse activities which may include special events in conjunction with community celebrations, workshops, and seminars.

➢ Organizes, plans, prepares and conducts educational presentations for schools, special targeted populations and community groups.

➢ Prepares exhibits, posters and displays for public presentations; prepares public information materials; researches and reviews relevant educational materials.

➢ Serve as liaison with schools, community-based organizations and others who provide substance abuse prevention and related services.

➢ Uses a personal computer, audiovisuals and other high-tech equipment for the performance of job duties.

➢ Maintains records, Prepares and submits reports of prevention activities in accordance with all pertinent rules and standards in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

➢ Graduate from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a human service field and two years of full time, post-bachelor’s degree accumulated mental health or supervised experience in substance abuse prevention or a bachelor’s degree in a non- human services field and four years of full time, post bachelor’s degree accumulated mental health or supervised experience in substance abuse prevention.

➢ A valid North Carolina Driver’s License is required upon appointment.

➢ Must have the ability to work some nights, weekends and travel to locations outside regular assigned office location to perform job duties.

➢ Knowledge of current methods and developments in the substance abuse prevention field to include:

• Risk factors, signs and effects of substance abuse usage by youth;
• Child and adolescent development; Group dynamics and human behavior;
• Organization, resources and programs within the community that share common goals;
• Research methods, marketing concepts and techniques.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The employee must have the:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, manuals and documents
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from, staff, parents and the public
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Ability to effectively present information to administrators, parents and the general public
• Ability to adequately document and maintain a comprehensive mental health record.

REASONING ABILITY:

The employee must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to potentially technical situations, the ability to establish priority order of task necessary to complete a project and convey these understanding and priorities to others, and the ability to employ logical sequencing, trouble-shooting, problem solving and decision making skills.

OTHER STAFF EXPECTATIONS:

➢ To obtain and maintain training in applicable evidenced based programs

➢ To complete required training and demonstrate ongoing competencies

➢ Maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable automobile insurance

➢ Register with the NCSAPP Board and work towards certification.

➢ Assume other work related duties as determined by the agency and assigned by supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are a representation of those that must be met by the employee to perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, to stand, to walk, to go up and down stairs, to operate foot and hand controls, to use telephones, computers and to write. Occasionally, the employee must lift and or move up to fifty (50) pounds. The employee may be required to assist with nonviolent crisis management. This position requires accurate perception of sound, near and far vision, depth

perception, handling, and working with educational materials and objects and providing oral information. The employee is required to have general mobility and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Elizabeth City, NC 27909