COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Assigned to the Milwaukee Health Department’s (MHD) Policy, Innovation and Engagement Division, the Community Outreach Specialist plans, promotes, coordinates and analyzes group and community public health interventions to reduce the harm caused by overdose and substance misuse.

Public Health Education

• Maintain current knowledge of substance use disorder and harm reduction evidence-based best practices.
• Develop, evaluate, and provide technical assistance related to educational methods and materials that are appropriate for each target audience.
• Provide accurate health information and resources regarding how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose and best practices for reducing overdoses.
• Coordinate learning activities, including conducting training and completing follow up surveys with clients.
• Develop and implement protocols for addressing community requests concerning information, presentations, and participation at community health events.
• Maintain documentation, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to monitor departmental participation in harm reduction-related community educational events.
• Implement evidence-based protocols within the community in a culturally competent way.

Collaboration and Program Promotion

• Serve as the primary point of contact with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Narcan Direct program.
• Cultivate community partnerships, with a special focus on those entities that serve individuals most at risk for poor health outcomes.
• Actively seek opportunities for training and/or educational sessions in presentation sites such as childcare and health care service settings, public and private schools, community centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), parenting programs, housing programs, employment consultants, and other similar organizations.
• Introduce best practices, pilot activities, and adopt innovative approaches to recruiting and maintaining community partnerships aligned with objectives.
• Participate in Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) monthly meetings and any other relevant community meetings.
• Identify diverse and non-traditional locations to strengthen and increase programmatic reach.
• Write, design and distribute marketing materials, flyers, program information, reports, and a newsletter to targeted audiences.
• Conduct site visitation, establish relationships, build rapport with site staff, and provide education and technical assistance to assist in ongoing implementation.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Participate in data collection, program evaluation, and events tracking for departmental reporting.
• Coordinate data collection and maintain a database that demonstrates integration with agencies, community leaders/ organizers, department managers and schools. 
• Present data concerning areas in need of services, such as targeted zip codes, day care centers, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations, food pantries, health fairs and community events.
• Prepare monthly documentation and annual reports to monitor progress.
• Pursue quality assurance and improvement on a continual basis. 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• The current work schedule is 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; however, scheduling flexibility is required to meet the needs of the department, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must be willing to carry a mobile device for business purposes.
• Must work outside standard business hours to respond to public health emergencies.

1. Bachelor’s degree in public health education, social work, nursing, community health, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. One year of experience conducting training, community outreach, or teaching related to substance misuse and/or substance misuse related mental health issues.
3. Valid Driver’s License at the time of appointment and throughout employment and the availability of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job; mileage reimbursement will be provided (pending legislative approval).  

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Experience working with substance misuse and harm reduction initiatives.
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish or Hmong.

Technical

• Knowledge of public health promotion, including community outreach programs that target substance use disorder and harm reduction initiatives.   
• Knowledge of the social determinants of health and how they impact substance use disorder and harm reduction programs and goals.
• Ability to learn current trends and best practices in community health, specifically substance use disorder and harm reduction initiatives.
• Basic computer skills to use the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to learn database, project management, spreadsheet software applications and case management information system.
• Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Ability to develop strong and lasting community partnerships.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to write correspondence and design newsletters, marketing materials, and flyers.
• Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to communicate verbally with culturally diverse individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Presentation and training skills to provide program promotion and outreach.

Judgement and Responsibility

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to cope with sensitive and emotional situations.
• Ability to organize assignments and manage time to complete tasks based on departmental deadlines.
• Commitment to serve the public honestly and with sensitivity.
• Ability to remain professional at all times.
• Honesty, integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

The current salary range (2EN) is $55,187-$65,989 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $56,842-$67,969. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Comprehensive Wellness Program  
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program 
• Alternative Work Schedules    
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Group Life Insurance  
• Tuition Benefits    
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays 
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves 
• Flexible Spending Arrangement     
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, http://city.milwaukee.gov/jobs.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.