Links Global seeks to hire a Community Outreach Specialist in Albuquerque, NM for a U.S. government-funded program with the DEA to support the government’s efforts to prevent drug use through community outreach. The outreach specialist must be highly knowledgeable in the areas of illicit drugs, diversion, trafficking, and drug misuse prevention; skilled in written and verbal communication; strategic communications models, such as health promotion, social marketing, and behavior change communication; and be able to work in collaboration with multiple levels of government, various agencies, offices, and departments, community-based organizations, tribal communities, and private sector groups.

The Community Outreach Specialist will work with community stakeholders and national partners to implement deliverables within local communities. Community outreach and prevention support is one of three prongs of DEA's approach to combating drug use that also includes law enforcement and diversion control.

The Community Outreach Specialist will primarily be assigned to implement outreach deliverables to make a sustainable impact within the local community.

Applicants are subject to passing a federal government background check.

This is a great job for an individual who wants to work side-by-side with federal and local law enforcement officers to prevent drug misuse around the country.

Employment Type: Full-time, temporary (one-year project with a possible extension of additional years).

The primary duties of the position include:

• Lead, coordinate, and ensure effective implementation of outreach activities, information sharing, partnerships, and appropriate commitment of resources that are part of Operation Engage.
• Serve as a speaker and program representative on outside committees, attending conferences and seminars, providing training to individuals and organizations, in the areas of illegal and prescription drugs, diversion, trafficking, and drug misuse prevention.
• Report to field division management and advise them of available community outreach programs and opportunities for community engagement.
• Keep management informed about matters concerning community outreach activities.
• Organize training seminars, lectures, and activities relevant to community outreach programs and priorities.
• Gather, interpret, and evaluate data.
• Serve as field division resource on drug diversion issues and coordinate information and resource sharing.
• Monitor trends in education and the specific drug concerns of the division.
• Provide support to coalitions and task forces in building and strengthening a community-based network.
• Draft and submit deliverables (monthly and quarterly reports).
• Develop strategic communications plans and informational materials, talking points, and presentations.
• Maintain an understanding of existing drug law enforcement, drug addiction treatment, and drug misuse prevention/education organizations within the field division’s area of responsibility.
• Serve as primary liaison and POC for major drug addiction treatment/misuse prevention/education organizations within the field division’s area of responsibility.
• Able to lift and carry heavy items (e.g., boxes of handouts or audiovisual equipment), up to 75 pounds with assistance,
• Ability to travel locally and regionally, and nationally to conferences, when appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Work may require travel to various sites within a state/multi-state area and may necessitate the operation of a government vehicle. Also, position may require telework due to coronavirus travel and work restrictions.

Minimum requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in coordinating and organizing community outreach activities, preferably related to substance misuse prevention.
• Knowledge of existing drug law enforcement, drug addiction treatment, and drug misuse prevention/education organizations within the field division’s area of responsibility.
• Project management experience.
• Experience in coordinating and organizing trainings, partnership building, networking with agencies and organizations, and community outreach.
• Experience in working with law enforcement is a plus.
• Experience in strategic communications planning, health promotion, public health, social marketing, and/or behavior change communication.
• Experience in community engagement, information dissemination, and development of informational materials and presentations.
• Experience in data gathering, interpretation, and evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and writing skills.
• Knowledge and experience using social media tools for information dissemination.
• Computer skills with MS Office.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
• U.S. citizenship is required (by birthright or naturalization).
• Pass random drug testing for the duration of employment.
• Driver’s license and personal vehicle (Mileage will be reimbursed)

Applicants selected will be subject to a federal government background investigation and must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. Disqualifying factors include personal history such as recent or repeated felony or misdemeanor convictions, pending criminal charges, illegal drug use, and debt-related issues.

Links Global is an equal opportunity employer.

Wage is based on $72,000 per year plus fringe benefits

Links Global is an equal opportunity employer.