Outreach Specialist

Department/Division: Social Services - Mobile Crisis Response Team/988
Status: Full-Time, Hourly (DOE)
Supervisor: Program Manager

About the Role

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Outreach Specialist plans, implements, and coordinates community outreach, behavioral health education, and public awareness activities that promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT). This position develops culturally responsive outreach strategies and educational materials, builds collaborative partnerships, conducts presentations, participates in community events, and increases awareness of behavioral health services throughout Tribal communities. The Outreach Specialist serves as a liaison between the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Tribal communities, schools, healthcare organizations, behavioral health providers, first responders, and community partners to improve access to behavioral health resources, suicide prevention services, and crisis response programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community outreach strategies that increase awareness and utilization of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Mobile Crisis Response Team.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in community outreach events, health fairs, resource fairs, and Tribal gatherings.
• Conduct behavioral health, suicide prevention, and 988 educational presentations for Tribal communities, schools, healthcare organizations, and community partners.
• Develop culturally responsive outreach materials, educational resources, brochures, flyers, newsletters, digital content, and public awareness campaigns.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal departments, schools, healthcare organizations, behavioral health providers, first responders, community organizations, and regional partners.
• Assist in planning and coordinating the annual Tribal 988 Conference, community trainings, workshops, and public awareness events.
• Represent the Behavioral Health Department at community meetings, coalition meetings, conferences, and outreach activities.
• Coordinate outreach efforts with the Mobile Crisis Response Team, Peer Support Specialists, Case Managers, and behavioral health staff to improve access to behavioral health services.
• Support school-based behavioral health education, youth engagement activities, and suicide prevention initiatives in collaboration with partnering school districts.
• Assist with public awareness campaigns promoting behavioral health, wellness, recovery, and available crisis services.
• Maintain records of outreach activities, presentations, partnerships, community contacts, and program outcomes.
• Prepare outreach reports, collect participation data, and assist with grant reporting requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, behavioral health education, suicide prevention training, trauma-informed care training, and cultural competency education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Communications, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Human Services, Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred. High School Diploma or GED with equivalent outreach or community engagement experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in community outreach, public education, behavioral health, prevention services, or community engagement.
• Experience developing educational presentations and facilitating community events preferred.
• Experience working with Native American communities preferred.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace (including marijuana).
• Must successfully pass a background investigation and be eligible to work with vulnerable populations.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the service area.
• CPR/First Aid Certification preferred or required within 60 days of hire.
• Indian Preference will apply in accordance with the Pala Band of Mission Indians policy.

Skills

• Knowledge of community outreach, public education, and behavioral health promotion principles.
• Knowledge of suicide prevention, behavioral health resources, crisis intervention services, and community support systems.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to develop culturally responsive educational materials and outreach campaigns.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal leaders, schools, healthcare organizations, first responders, and community agencies.
• Strong organizational, planning, and event coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple community outreach activities simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Endorsement and support of Tribal values, culture, and philosophy.