Outreach Specialist
Listed on 2026-08-22
-
Social Work
Human Services/ Social Work, Community Support Services, Community Health, Patient/Health Advocate
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.
- 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…
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