Community Outreach Specialist

Overview

Lead outreach and engagement efforts for community programs and services.

You have:

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional or lived experience
• 1-3 years of experience in outreach, community engagement, or social services preferred
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
• Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written
• Knowledge of local community resources and social service networks
• Highly organized and capable of keeping up with administrative requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance and ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred
• Bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population strongly preferred (including Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, Burmese, Vietnamese or Tigrinya)
• Strong connection and relationship with local client community members

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead outreach and engagement efforts to recruit eligible individuals into programs.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, service providers, faith groups, schools, and other referral sources.

• Conduct presentations and attend community events to promote IRC’s services.

• Respond to inquiries from potential clients and referral partners in a timely and professional manner.

• Screen and refer clients to appropriate internal programs based on eligibility and interest.

• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities and referral outcomes.

• Track outreach metrics and prepare reports on engagement and referral trends.

• Collaborate closely with program staff to ensure a smooth client intake and transition process.

• Identify opportunities to expand IRC’s outreach footprint and referral pipeline.

• Support the development of outreach materials, including flyers, digital content, and referral forms.

• Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate engagement with all clients and communities.

• Stay informed of changes in program eligibility, service offerings, and community resources.

• Plan and coordinate weekly Open Doors events to welcome new and potential clients, provide program overviews, answer questions, and facilitate direct referrals.

• Work with internal staff to ensure Open Doors events are inclusive, informative, and responsive to client needs.

• Participate in all program meetings, and staff development and wellness activities

• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency

• Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Development Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC Spokane program managers, IRC Spokane teams

External: community organizations, service providers, faith groups, schools, and other referral sources.

Job Requirements:

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional or lived experience

• 1-3 years of experience in outreach, community engagement, or social services preferred.

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.

• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

• Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

• Knowledge of local community resources and social service networks.

• Highly organized and capable of keeping up with administrative requirements.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance and ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area

• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events.

Preferred:

• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred

• Bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population strongly preferred (including Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, Burmese, Vietnamese or Tigrinya).

• Strong connection and relationship with local client community members.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment (flexible remote and in-office)

• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work

Qualifications

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 11 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: rescue.org