Community Support Specialist Job Description

Primary Functions: 

The Community Support Specialist will join the team to plan, evaluate and analyze community engagement efforts through communication, outreach to youth, community presentations, volunteer coordination and Safe Place program management. Assignments are expected to be carried out under limited supervision within the community; therefore, only candidates with sound judgment, time management skills, and internal motivation should apply. 

Responsibilities: 

I. Community Outreach and Education 

• Coordination of an annual outreach plan. 

• Create community outreach materials, presentation decks and organizational collateral in collaboration with the team.

• Schedule outreach presentations in the community and communicate with staff regarding coverage and responsibilities. 

• Plan, coordinate, and distribute promotional materials at tabling and community events.

• Coordinate National Safe Place Program efforts to maintain existing sites, as well as expanding program reach by recruiting and implementing new program sites.

• Maintain relationships with collaborative partners and cultivate new ones. 

• Attend relevant community meetings and events. 

• Assist where assigned in the coordination of organizational special events and coordinates volunteers for events.

• Assist the team in other areas as assigned.

II. Marketing and Communications

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• Conduct activities related to promoting Youth Futures, including establishing and managing events, community presentations and activities to increase visibility and awareness to help the organization grow its following. 

• Direct new opportunities for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of new and current community engagement with donors and businesses to the appropriate team member. 

• Ensure the organization's purpose is conveyed to the public.

III. Volunteer Coordination

• Work with the team to develop and implement a plan to recruit, train, and utilize volunteers. 

• Recruit, train and supervise new program volunteers through outreach programs, e-mails, and volunteer databases.

• Keep new and existing volunteers informed about the organization and volunteer opportunities.

• Match volunteers to opportunities that suit their skill sets, and ensure they understand their responsibilities and receive the proper training.

IV. Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and provides regular reports on community presentations, media and community events.

• Track all activities related to Safe Place program in organizational databases.

• Collect volunteer information, availability, and skills; and maintain an up-to-date database.

• Keep schedules and records of volunteer work.

• Manage a timely and appropriate acknowledgement system for community and volunteer activities. 

Required Qualifications and Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and 3-5 years of relevant experience with business/nonprofit communications and community outreach. 

• High level attention to detail and organization skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects.

• Outgoing and engaging personality with confidence to interact face-to-face with community members.

• Possess strong graphic design and writing skills to develops community outreach materials and organizational collateral.

• Ability to prepare and present oral and written reports on outreach activities, track and assess progress and address deficiencies as they occur. 

• Ability to relate in an empathetic, supportive, non-judgmental manner to runaway and homeless youth and their families

• Valid Driver’s License and driving record that meets or exceeds our insurance requirements.

• Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills.

• Qualified experience with Microsoft and Adobe software.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Weekends and evenings required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform a range of physical motions, exerting up to 50 pounds. Walking, hiking, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping for brief periods of time.

Hourly Range: $19.25 to $21.25 commensurate with experience.