Community Outreach Specialist, Adult Foster Care (AFC)
About the role
At Minute Man Arc, our dedicated staff of over 200 employees improves the lives of people with disabilities in a work environment that values and respects diversity. We empower the people we support, make a real impact, and provide hands‑on training with room for personal and professional growth. The Community Outreach Specialist will promote and expand awareness of the Adult Foster Care (AFC) program, building relationships with organizations, professionals, families, caregivers, and community groups to identify and refer individuals who could benefit from AFC services. The role involves explaining the AFC program, responding to questions, identifying potential referrals, and connecting interested individuals with the AFC team for screening, assessment, and enrollment. The Specialist works onsite and in community settings, traveling regularly to churches, senior centers, healthcare providers, doctors' offices, hospitals, grocery stores, shopping malls, libraries, community organizations, events, health fairs, and other referral sources to conduct outreach and develop relationships.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and referral sources that may connect eligible individuals and caregivers to the AFC program.
- Conduct outreach to churches, senior centers, healthcare providers, doctors' offices, hospitals, groceries stores, shopping malls, libraries, community organizations, and other appropriate referral sources to introduce and promote the AFC program.
- Attend community events, meetings, health fairs, and other outreach opportunities to increase awareness of AFC services.
- Clearly explain the AFC program, its purpose, available supports, and general eligibility requirements to families, caregivers, professionals, and community partners.
- Identify individuals and caregivers who may be interested in the AFC program and obtain appropriate contact and referral information.
- Develop and maintain a network of community contacts and referral partners to support continued growth of the AFC program.
- Follow up with community contacts and potential referral sources to maintain relationships and encourage appropriate referrals.
- Provide potential referrals with information about the next steps and connect them with the appropriate AFC team member for eligibility screening, assessment, and enrollment.
- Work collaboratively with the AFC Assistant Director, Registered Nurses, and Care Managers to ensure referrals are appropriately handed off and followed up on.
- Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, community contacts, referrals, and follow-up efforts.
- Track outreach activities and referral sources to help the AFC program evaluate community engagement and identify opportunities for growth.
- Stay informed about the AFC program and its services so that accurate and consistent information is provided to community partners and potential referrals.
- Represent the AFC program professionally and build positive relationships within the community.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience in community outreach, marketing, healthcare, human services, caregiver recruitment, or a related field is highly desirable.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of community partners and families.
- Comfortable speaking with groups, making presentations, and explaining programs and services in a clear and engaging manner.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the AFC team.
- Ability to maintain accurate outreach and referral records and follow up consistently with contacts.
- Knowledge of MassHealth, Adult Foster Care, elder care, disability services, or community-based services is a plus.