Community Outreach Specialist - (Human Services Specialist II) - County Administration, OHRE

Position Summary The Community Outreach Specialist supports the community relations mission of the Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE) in developing and implementing programs, education, training, outreach initiatives, and events to address discrimination, enhance equitable outcomes for diverse community groups, and protect human rights in Howard County. Will work within the Community Outreach Unit and report directly to the Deputy Administrator - Outreach. Starting Salary Hiring Range $33.61 - $41.45 per hour or $69,913 - $86,208 annually. Class Description Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility under general supervision. Job includes administering human service programs, providing specialized services, formulating policies, providing counseling & referral services, investigating complaints, and administering justice programs. Other duties may be assigned. Responsibilities Outreach to the community for all activities related to OHRE mission. Initiate, develop, and implement outreach programs, activities, education & training related to OHRE including combating discrimination and building intercultural competencies. Provide training to residents, businesses, and housing providers on civil rights laws. Liaise with Howard County Police Department on hate‑bias incidents and provide training to officers on hate bias & cultural intelligence. Liaise with other civil rights agencies to coordinate trainings on laws and concepts. Support coordination of events, conferences, workshops, and fairs. Evaluate community needs and trends to provide current education and training. Stay current with best practices on discriminatory practices locally, statewide, and nationally. Ensure innovation in program planning and delivery. Provide input to senior leadership for budgets and grant oversight. Ensure compliance with external funding reporting and audit requests. Monitor progress toward outreach goals. Provide monthly, annual and requested reports on outreach activities. Develop external communications and partnerships; coordinate services with related agencies. Build relationships with advocacy groups, community groups, and agencies. Staff and support all activities of an assigned workgroup or commission. Design, develop, and update web page content, publications, and social media. Design brochures, flyers, and promotional items. Work with administrators on publications including annual report. Coordinate and participate in outreach team meetings, preparing reports and agendas. Participate in all other relevant meetings and hearings as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and one (1) year related experience or equivalent education and experience. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience supporting programs/events related to human rights, equity, civil rights, compliance, community engagement, or social justice. Experience in program coordination within public sector, nonprofit, or community organization. Experience developing curriculum, workshops, trainings, and educational programming. Experience delivering training or capacity‑building initiatives. Knowledge of human rights, equity, civil rights frameworks in public sector or community organizations. Project management skills and ability to plan, coordinate, track progress, and meet deadlines. Effective oral and written communication with diverse audiences. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, partners, and agencies. Public speaking and/or advocacy experience. Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information. Physical Demands and Work Environment Must sit, talk, hear, stand, walk regularly. Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Requires close, distance, color, peripheral, depth vision, and ability to adjust focus. Work environment typically quiet. Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, and Reasoning Ability Ability to read, interpret, write routine reports and correspondence; to speak effectively before communities. Ability to define problems, collect data, analyze information, and draw valid conclusions; interpret legal and technical instructions. Driver’s License Possession of a valid driver's license. #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard-County