Community Outreach Worker

Wheeler•Plainville, CT

5d•$21

About The Position

The Community Outreach Worker is a key member of Wheeler’s Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness, and Recovery, focused on raising awareness and promoting education around substance misuse, problem gambling, suicide prevention, and mental health. This role involves active community engagement through the Change the Script campaign van and participation at resource tables and events across the state. They initiate conversations about prevention and mental health, may provide referrals to services, and distributes harm reduction materials and other helpful resources. As a highly visible representative, the Community Outreach Worker also fosters relationships with new community partners to expand outreach opportunities. Occasionally, they may lead informational sessions or trainings on emerging issues and trends in the prevention field. The position requires regularly driving the community resource van to disseminate prevention and harm reduction materials at various events and targeted community areas Hourly Rate $21.00 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS Associate's degree in human services, communications, public health, or related field is required. Two years of undergraduate studies in related fields would be considered. Equivalent years of experience in a related field may be substituted for educational requirements. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred. Critical thinking, excellent oral and written communication skills required. Demonstrated experience in prevention working with youth, adults, diverse populations, and people who use substances or people in recovery from substance use, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner is preferred. Working knowledge of relevant software and experience with Microsoft Office applications is required. Excellent documentation skills, attention to detail, and time management are also required. Experience with social media and marketing strongly preferred. Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred. Ability to speak fluently in English and Spanish. Must hold a valid driver’s license. Must be able to lift and load boxes onto the resource van which weigh up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Associate's degree in human services, communications, public health, or related field is required. Two years of undergraduate studies in related fields would be considered. Equivalent years of experience in a related field may be substituted for educational requirements.
Critical thinking, excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Working knowledge of relevant software and experience with Microsoft Office applications is required.
Excellent documentation skills, attention to detail, and time management are also required.
Must hold a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to lift and load boxes onto the resource van which weigh up to 50 pounds.
Must have, be working on, or willing to acquire prevention professional certification.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in prevention working with youth, adults, diverse populations, and people who use substances or people in recovery from substance use, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner is preferred.
Experience with social media and marketing strongly preferred.
Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred.
Ability to speak fluently in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Drives the community resource van and travels statewide to participate in community and agency events and activities.
Assists with scheduling the community resource vans.
Responsible for managing the inventory of all educational and promotional materials and ensuring the community resource vans are adequately stocked for community events.
Actively participates in the implementation of programs to prevent challenges associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as supporting healthy families and communities in collaboration with management, funders or other stakeholders.
Provides support for statewide and local prevention and health promotion campaigns and initiatives in partnership with funders and as directed by department goals.
Maintains successful relationships with current partners, funders and key stake holders, as well as creates new ones as appropriate.
Collects and reports on demographic, statistical, and evaluation data for assigned programs and activities.
Completes necessary data entry and other required tracking and data management.
Develops and maintains holistic knowledge of populations being served including cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, and ability difference.
Trains on prevention and health promotion topics as qualified and appropriate.
Assists Supervisor and Program Manager in duties necessary for the success of the program and department.
Promotes Wheeler’s Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness and Recovery and its activities throughout the state.
Assists Supervisor in providing excellent customer service, responding to funders, and providing community outreach in accordance with program goals and objectives.
Adheres to prevention operating standards, guidelines, and code of ethics.
Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and prescription insurance through Centivo
Comprehensive dental and vision insurance through Cigna
Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health
Enjoy peace of mind with company-paid life and AD&D insurance
403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company
Pursue your educational goals with our Education Reimbursement Program
Access training and development opportunities
Recharge with generous paid time off, including:
15 vacation days per year to explore and recharge
8 sick days per year for your well-being
2 personal days per year for your personal needs
2 floating holidays per year to celebrate what matters to you
9 paid company holidays to spend with loved ones
Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)