Outreach Specialist

Monday‑Friday / 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some nights and weekends as needed. Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short‑term department needs and/or City‑wide emergencies. Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA. Position Driving Requirement Occasional Pay Grade GE11 Pay Basis Semi‑Monthly Advertised Salary $55,854 – $74,007 annually. Starting salary based on qualifications and experience. Job Description The City of Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate, energetic Community Programs Specialist I to serve as an Outreach Specialist at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center. This role focuses on engaging individuals experiencing homelessness and connecting them to critical services. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting individuals facing mental health and behavioral health challenges, substance use, trauma, homelessness, and other barriers to stability, along with strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and trauma‑informed, de‑escalation approaches. Key Responsibilities Provide case management for individuals experiencing homelessness, assisting them in navigating community resources, agencies, and service providers. Conduct intake assessments to identify needs related to housing, employment, education, mental health, and other support services. Respond to participant concerns and challenging situations using trauma‑informed practices and effective communication strategies. Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage underserved populations and individuals in need of supportive services. Build relationships with residents, community organizations, service providers, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders to expand awareness and access to services. Identify community needs, service gaps, and barriers through outreach and engagement activities. Provide information and referrals for housing assistance, healthcare, behavioral health services, employment support, financial assistance, food resources, legal services, and other community programs. Support participant engagement at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center, including resource navigation, workshops, support groups, and community events. Assist with outreach efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness through targeted engagement and relationship-building. Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, client contacts, referrals, and outcomes using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Complete required reports and data entry within established timelines, including documentation for program and funding compliance. Support daily operations of the Resource Center, including participant check‑in, service tracking, opening/closing procedures, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. Assist with organizing outreach materials, program supplies, and resource information to support effective service delivery. Participate in city, regional, and state meetings, councils, and conferences as a representative of the Division and the City. Why Join Us? Make a meaningful impact in the lives of Chesapeake residents Collaborate with passionate professionals dedicated to community well‑being Grow your career in a supportive and mission‑driven environment Competitive benefits and professional development opportunities Required Qualifications Vocational / Educational Requirement: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or social work with class work in behavioral sciences or a closely related field. Master’s degree desirable. Experience Requirement: Minimum of two years of related, full‑time equivalent experience. Special Certifications and Licenses: Valid driver’s license and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards. Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short‑term department needs and/or City‑wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties. Preferred Qualifications Case Management Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of case management techniques, principles, and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance services to clients. Effective Communication Skills: Proven ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public, city management, and policy makers. Problem Solving and Resource Coordination: Skilled in developing solutions to complex individual and family situations by leveraging a broad range of community resources. Relevant Sector Experience: Experience working with municipal governments or non‑profit organizations, particularly in areas related to housing services. Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to interact positively with diverse stakeholders and to effectively facilitate community meetings in a variety of settings. Benefits The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Chesapeake Virginia