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 Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA. Position Driving Requirement Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional Pay Grade Pay Grade GE11 Pay Basis 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 Help us build a thriving Chesapeake— one resident at a time. The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks. Required Qualifications VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires 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 : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience. SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a 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. Job Open Date 08/19/2026 Job Close Date 09/03/2026 Open Continuous No Special Instructions to Applicants ADA Checklist Overall Physical Strength Demands Overall Physical Strength Demands Overall Physical Strength Demands L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Physical Demands C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs. Standing Standing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Walking Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Lifting Lifting Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Lifting Amount Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs Carrying Carrying Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Carrying Weight Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs Pushing/Pulling Pushing/Pulling Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Pushing/Pulling Weight Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs Reaching Reaching Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Handling Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Fine Dexterity Fine Dexterity Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Kneeling Kneeling Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crouching Crouching Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crawling Crawling Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Bending Bending Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Twisting Twisting Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Climbing Climbing Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Balancing Balancing Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Vision Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Hearing Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Talking Talking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Foot Controls Foot Controls N = Never Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used Protective Equipment Required none Health and Safety D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never Mechanical Hazards Mechanical Hazards N = Never Chemical Hazards Chemical Hazards N = Never Electrical Hazards Electrical Hazards N = Never Fire Hazards Fire Hazards N = Never Explosives Explosives N = Never Communicable Diseases Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally Physical Danger or Abuse Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never Other Other N = Never Other, Description D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never Dirt and Dust Dirt and Dust S = Seasonally Extreme Temperatures Extreme Temperatures N = Never Noise and Vibration Noise and Vibration N = Never Fumes and Odors Fumes and Odors N = Never Wetness/Humidity Wetness/Humidity N = Never Darkness or Poor Lighting Darkness or Poor Lighting N = Never Primary Work Location Non-Physical Demands C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs. Time Pressures Time Pressures Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Emergency Situations Emergency Situations Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Frequent Change of Tasks Frequent Change of Tasks Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Occasions- Up to 1/3 of the time. Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Tedious or Exacting Work Tedious or Exacting Work Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Noisy/Distracting Environment Noisy/Distracting Environment Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Other If Other, Description Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s) Team members can assist with scheduling and emergency situations Professional References Please provide contact information for professional references. Minimum Requests 0 Maximum Requests 4 Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( * ). * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details. Yes No * Experience in the following is preferred: case management, program development, volunteer coordination, and group facilitation. Please elaborate on any relevant current and past experience or type NA, if not applicable. (Open Ended Question) #J-18808-Ljbffr