Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist jobs in West Hartford, CT

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s challenges.”

We help everyone who comes to our door with resources for both immediate needs and long-term goals. 

Our network of programs, services, and experiences strengthen individuals, families, and communities and provides opportunities for growth and economic stability. 

Come join our team!

When you become an employee at the Community Renewal Team (CRT), you will join a host of others with an average tenure of nine years of service.  Some of our employees have celebrated more than twenty years of service.  You’ll participate in fun activities, themed- employee appreciation events, organization sponsored golf tournaments, etc.   We celebrate the accomplishments of employees using our Wall of Excellence highlighting employees of the month. Opportunities to grow within the organization are plentiful.  Most of our employees started in entry level positions and have been promoted throughout their career.  

BENEFITS               

401K with a matching employer contribution, medical, dental, vision, HSA Spending       

Accounts, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD)/Long- Term Disability (LTD), 

and an Employee Assistance Program.  Eligible employees are also able to participate in 

agency sponsored educational opportunities.  Eligible employees receive ten paid vacation days, six sick

paid days annually, and two personal days paid annually.  

JOB DETAILS

POSITION TITLE:  Prevention Outreach Specialist

DEPARTMENT:     Clinical Services

FLSA STATUS:        Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:        Community Health and Wellness Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Prevention Outreach Specialist is responsible for conducting street and community outreach education and prevention in the community; The Outreach Specialist works non-traditional hours and maintains confidentiality and comfort with clients. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILIITIES

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Recruit for referrals through outreach and oral community presentations.
• Interview customers on and/or off site as required/needed.
• Coordinate customer referrals with social service system and other community support services.
• Monitor and document customer progress and adherence to Individualized Program including daily case files.
• Provide reports to referring agencies including, but not limited to, progress reports, discharge summaries, aftercare plans and special reports.
• Provide individual counseling and outreach education.
• Collect demographic data, conduct pre-screening and assess potential eligibility for high risk HIV prevention education and counseling.
• Facilitate information and referral services and document outcomes resulting from such
• Provide outreach to the high risk target population for early intervention treatment and link them to care services.
• Provide high risk targeted population with education on prevention
• Complete an initial interview and assessment of individual needs
• Engage clients into and provide rapid HIV counseling and testing and/or PrEP
• Work in collaboration with the community and others to develop a relationship and find places where people at risk socialize
• Complete reports and referrals in a timely manner
• Maintain client records in accordance with documentation requirements and standards, Expems care ware, STS and other databases as needed or required
• Attend outreach and prevention trainings
• Maintain client confidentiality

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education:   Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience

Minimum Years of Experience:  2 years of experience, or any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform job. 

Active Certification in good Standing: Onsite training provided CPR, Narcan, COVID now, Outreach and Customer service. Must have valid driver’s license

Demonstrate skills:  Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Create and present visual presentation, dynamic engagement skills.  Plan and execute outreach plans. Basic MS Office and computer skills for reporting and data entry. Must be available to work a varied schedule, late evenings, weekends and unconventional hours.

Knowledge:    Knowledge of Hartford areas where clients whom are not receiving services. Proven experience working with a population experiencing substance use, HIV/AIDS, homelessness and/or mental illness. Street outreach experience and experience working with people with substance use issues preferred 

Physical and TB Required:  Yes, required prior to appointment 

Bilingual: Preferred– Depending on program position services, will depend if additional language preferred or  required (Communication with Spanish and Asian population) 

Driving Required:    Yes      Agency Vehicle:   Yes    Employee’s Own Vehicle:   Preferred – With proof of automobile liability insurance 

Active Driver License in good standing required upon hire and throughout employment     

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors.  Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depths.   Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed with potential exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as strong odors, fumes, dusts, wetness, humidity, machinery, and toxic/poisonous agents.