Outreach Specialist (53462)

Salary Range $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Position Type Full Time

Education Level High School

Category Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Outreach Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing community outreach, engagement, and referral activities to identify and connect eligible veterans, service members, and their families with suicide prevention services and supportive resources through the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

This position builds partnerships with veteran-serving organizations, healthcare providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders to increase program awareness, identify underserved populations, and reduce barriers to accessing behavioral health and supportive services. Essential functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to identify and engage veterans and other eligible participants who may benefit from suicide prevention and supportive services.

• Conduct outreach in community settings, veteran service organizations, healthcare facilities, and other locations frequented by the target population.

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with VA facilities, veteran service organizations, local government agencies, behavioral health providers, and community partners.

• Coordinate and participate in community events, resource fairs, veteran-focused activities, and public awareness initiatives.

• Provide information regarding program eligibility, available services, referral processes, and community resources.

• Identify potential participants and facilitate appropriate referrals to program case management, peer support, and other services.

• Conduct initial engagement and follow-up activities to encourage participation and reduce barriers to accessing care.

• Collaborate with program personnel to identify service gaps, emerging community needs, and opportunities for partnership development.

• Support suicide prevention education and awareness initiatives consistent with approved program activities.

• Recognize potential indicators of emotional distress or suicide risk and follow established safety and referral procedures.

• Maintain accurate documentation of outreach activities, referrals, engagement efforts, and program outcomes.

• Assist in collecting data necessary for grant reporting, performance monitoring, and continuous quality improvement.

• Represent WestCare professionally at community meetings, coalition activities, and collaborative planning sessions.

• Ensure outreach activities are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and appropriate for military and veteran populations.

• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Strong public speaking, interpersonal communication, and community engagement skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective community partnerships.

• Knowledge of community-based social services and veteran support systems.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to conduct outreach independently and manage multiple activities.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare activity reports.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Professional appearance and demeanor.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.

• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

• Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record and the ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for WestCare’s Vehicle Insurance.

• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant outreach or veteran services experience may be considered in lieu of formal education, consistent with organizational requirements.

• Minimum of one year of experience in community outreach, social services, veteran services, behavioral health, or a related field preferred.

• Experience developing community partnerships and coordinating outreach activities preferred.

• Familiarity with military culture, veteran resources, and suicide prevention initiatives preferred.

• Veteran status preferred.

• Associate degree in human services, social services, public health, communications, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in office and community-based environments.

• Regular travel throughout the assigned Wisconsin service area is required to support outreach, community partnerships, participant services, meetings, and program activities.

• Regular local travel throughout the service area is required

• Schedule may vary based on program operations and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or other nontraditional hours when assigned.