Indigenous Outreach Specialist

ndigenous Outreach Specialist Position Title: Indigenous Outreach Specialist Organization: The Happier Life Project Program: Voices of Hope, Youth Community Access and Empowered Youth - Empowered Community Classification: Temporary, Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly) Compensation: $30.00 – 33.00 per hour Work Schedule: up to 29 hours per week, hours may vary, including evenings and weekends as needed Work Location: On-site (Lake Elsinore, CA) and field-based Reports To: Program Manager Position Term: This is a temporary position anticipated to begin upon hire and conclude on August 31, 2026. Employment in this role is contingent upon program needs, funding availability, and organizational requirements. Position Summary The Bilingual / Indigenous Outreach Specialist is responsible for community-based engagement, culturally responsive outreach, and trust-building within Indigenous, Latino, and BIPOC communities across the Inland Empire. This role supports two aligned initiatives: Voices of Hope, providing opioid and stimulant use education, stigma reduction, and connection to care through outreach and referrals EYEC (YCA Program), a culturally grounded, strengths-based initiative supporting Indigenous youth through connection to culture, community, and identity The Outreach Specialist serves as a trusted bridge between community members and systems of care, while also fostering youth engagement, family connection, and culturally rooted programming. This position does not provide clinical services but plays a critical role in increasing participation, engagement, and access to supportive services. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Community Outreach & Engagement Conduct in-person outreach at community events, schools, cultural gatherings, and partner sites Build and maintain relationships with youth, families, Elders, and community members Share program information and educational materials in a stigma-free, culturally respectful manner Serve as a visible, trusted liaison between programs and the community Represent THLP at community events, meetings, and gatherings 2. Youth & Family Engagement Engage youth in culturally respectful, strengths-based ways that promote identity, belonging, and empowerment Support participation by addressing barriers such as transportation, communication, and family concerns Maintain regular communication with families to strengthen support systems Encourage youth voice and leadership in programming and activities 3. Culturally Responsive Communication Provide outreach in English, Spanish, and/or Indigenous languages as applicable Adapt messaging to reflect cultural values, lived experiences, and community norms Ensure all outreach is accessible, relevant, and culturally grounded Apply trauma-informed and culturally rooted approaches in all engagement 4. Referral Support & Warm Handoffs Support community members in connecting to healthcare, behavioral health, and social services Assist with warm handoffs by identifying appropriate partners and facilitating real-time connections when possible Provide referrals related to housing, food, and supportive services Communicate referral needs and trends to program leadership 5. Program Support & Coordination Assist with coordination of cultural activities, group sessions, and on-the-land programming for youth Support integration of social-emotional learning and youth development principles Ensure outreach efforts align with program and grant goals Support continuous program improvement through participation in team meetings and trainings 6. Partner Engagement & Community Collaboration Engage with tribal organizations, culturally specific providers, and community-based organizations Attend coordination meetings and support partnership development Strengthen intergenerational connections by supporting involvement of Elders and mentors Provide insights to ensure services and referral pathways are culturally appropriate 7. Listening Sessions & Community Feedback Support facilitation of community listening sessions Gather feedback on barriers to care, community needs, and cultural considerations Share insights with program leadership to inform improvements 8. Documentation & Reporting Maintain outreach logs (events, individuals engaged, referral activity) Track participation and engagement for grant reporting Submit timesheets and documentation aligned with program requirements Ensure accurate and timely reporting for compliance purposes Minimum Qualifications Lived experience or strong connection to the communities served Bilingual (English/Spanish) required; Indigenous language skills strongly preferred Experience in community outreach, peer support, social services, or public health settings Experience working with Indigenous youth, families, or communities Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust Ability to work independently and within community and field-based environments Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally and participate in community-based activities Preferred Qualifications Peer Support Certification or willingness to obtain Experience working with Indigenous or culturally specific communities Knowledge of substance use, recovery pathways, or harm reduction principles Experience with trauma-informed care, restorative practices, or social-emotional learning Familiarity with local service systems and youth prevention programs Work Environment This role operates in community-based settings including schools, cultural spaces, and outdoor/on-the-land environments, requiring flexibility, local travel, and a commitment to culturally grounded engagement. Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally. Ability to travel locally on a regular basis. Compensation & Overtime (California Compliance) This is a non-exempt position, and employees are eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable California wage and hour laws. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Happier Life Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.