POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Engagement Specialist enhances resident well-being and community connectedness within a permanent supportive housing complex by coordinating resident activities, facilitating engagement with community resources, and building supportive relationships with residents and external partners. This role promotes social inclusion, resident empowerment, and a vibrant community environment through purposeful outreach, programming, and collaboration with on-site services and stakeholders.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Develop, implement, and sustain meaningful engagement strategies that connect residents with each other, staff, and community resources. Serve as a primary point of contact for residents, building rapport and encouraging participation in housing community life. Conduct outreach within the housing complex to understand resident needs, preferences, and barriers to participation. Facilitate resident input and feedback mechanisms (surveys, town halls, suggestion boxes) to guide programming. Plan and coordinate a diverse calendar of resident activities—social, recreational, educational, wellness, cultural, and life skills programs. Lead or support implementation of regular group events (e.g., community meals, art workshops, fitness classes, support groups). Collaborate with staff and external partners to bring in guest facilitators, trainers, and service providers for scheduled activities. Maintain records of attendance, feedback, and impact assessments for ongoing improvement. Ensure activities are inclusive, trauma-informed, and responsive to the community’s cultural and individual needs. Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, service providers, volunteers, and local stakeholders to expand resident opportunities. Represent the housing complex at community meetings, outreach events, and collaborative networks to connect residents with external supports (employment resources, health services, education, transportation). Coordinate referrals and introductions between residents and relevant service providers. Create and distribute engaging communication materials (flyers, newsletters, bulletin boards, digital updates) to promote activities and resources. Track engagement metrics and prepare regular reports on participation, trends, and outcomes for leadership review. Maintain organized databases and documentation of engagement efforts, partnerships, and resident interests. Advocate for resident interests in planning and policy discussions within the housing provider organization. Help residents navigate community resources, access benefits, and address non-clinical barriers to well-being. Provide direct support, coaching, and encouragement to motivate resident participation and self-advocacy. Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and Perform all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent. 2+ years of experience in community engagement, program coordination, or supportive housing environments.

COMPETENCIES:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to connect with diverse populations. Experience coordinating programs, events, or activities with measurable outcomes. Ability to organize time, manage multiple priorities, and document work effectively. Comfort working collaboratively with internal teams, residents, and external community partners. Familiarity with trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and strengths-based engagement practices. Proficiency with basic office technology and communications tools. Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served. Knowledge of Co-occurring disorders desired. Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. Ability to work well in a team environment. Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality. Professional appearance and demeanor. Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background check. During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you. CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.