Community Outreach Specialist

Reports To: Assistant Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Rate of Pay: $20.70/hour 

Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm with flexibility

Job Summary

CEDARS Pioneers Center is the only short-term emergency shelter serving youth ages 12–18 who do not have immediate access to another safe living arrangement in southeast Nebraska. Youth may need shelter due to family conflict, abuse or neglect, homelessness, in home disruptions, or other circumstances requiring short-term stabilization.

The Basic Center Program (BCP) is part of CEDARS’ continuum of services designed to prevent youth homelessness and out-of-home placements through family-centered support, in-home services, emergency shelter, and aftercare.

The BCP Community Outreach Family Partner will primarily focus on increasing community awareness of BCP services, developing referral partnerships, and engaging youth and families who may benefit from prevention services. This position will serve as an initial point of contact for families, explain available services, identify family needs, and facilitate connections to appropriate support.

In addition to outreach and family engagement, this position will provide in-home family support, case management, and shelter-related assistance as needed. The ideal candidate is energetic, outgoing, organized, and skilled at building relationships, communicating program information, and developing partnerships within the community.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement outreach strategies to increase awareness of program services, build community partnerships, and generate referrals from schools, community organizations, service providers, and other referral sources.
• Represent CEDARS at outreach events, school activities, community presentations, and engagement opportunities to connect with youth and families who may benefit from prevention and intervention services.
• Serve as an initial point of contact for referred youth and families by explaining program services, determining eligibility, coordinating introductory meetings, and facilitating enrollment into services.
• Complete required intake documentation, assessments, service plans, and other program requirements in compliance with agency, funding source, and regulatory standards.
• Provide individualized case management and in-home family support services to youth and families, including assessment, goal planning, skill development, crisis support, transportation, supervision and connection to community resources.
• Build supportive relationships with youth and caregivers to strengthen family functioning, improve stability, and prevent out-of-home placement.
• Coordinate care with families, schools, community partners, service providers, and internal CEDARS programs to ensure continuity of services and successful outcomes.
• Monitor client progress, maintain accurate and timely documentation, and complete required reports to measure outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Provide follow-up and aftercare services to support ongoing family success and connection to resources.
• Support youth safety, supervision, transportation, educational engagement, life skills development, appointments, recreational activities, and other program needs.
• Participate in case consultations, staff meetings, trainings, program planning, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Track outreach efforts, referral activity, family engagement, and service outcomes to identify trends and opportunities for continuous program improvement.
• Be available as needed to provide on-call support, consultation, and services at varying times of the day and evening
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of CEDARS.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients served by this organization and professional boundaries in the provision of services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field.
• 2 years of experience working with children and families is preferred.
• A genuine interest in and concern for all youth and families.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the clients and families CEDARS serves.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage individuals and establish professional partnerships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including confidence in public speaking, presentations, and group facilitation.
• An outgoing, energetic, approachable, and self-motivated personality.
• Ability to develop and implement outreach strategies, generate referrals, and independently follow through on planned activities.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, coworkers, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and family-centered approaches.
• As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures.

  Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

  At CEDARS, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range of candidates and our employees are empowered to do their best work.