What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach Specialist position at City of Chesapeake?
Position Information
Working Title of Vacant Position
Outreach Specialist
Job Type
Full Time
Posting Type
City Employees Only
Number of Vacancies
1
Department
HUMAN SVCS
Division
HS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Requisition Number
2026312
Number of hours worked per week
40
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday/8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Some nights and weekends as needed.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Some nights and weekends as needed.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Work Site Location
Chesapeake, VA.
Position Driving Requirement
O - Occasional
Pay Grade
GE11
Pay Basis
Semi-Monthly
Advertised Salary
$55,854 – $74,007/annually
Starting salary based on qualifications and experience
Starting salary based on qualifications and experience
Job Description
The City of Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate, energetic Community Programs Specialist I to serve as an Outreach Specialist at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center. This role focuses on engaging individuals experiencing homelessness and connecting them to critical services. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting individuals facing mental health and behavioral health challenges, substance use, trauma, homelessness, and other barriers to stability, along with strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and trauma-informed, de-escalation approaches.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide case management for individuals experiencing homelessness, assisting them in navigating community resources, agencies, and service providers.
- Conduct intake assessments to identify needs related to housing, employment, education, mental health, and other support services.
- Respond to participant concerns and challenging situations using trauma-informed practices and effective communication strategies.
- Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage underserved populations and individuals in need of supportive services.
- Build relationships with residents, community organizations, service providers, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholders to expand awareness and access to services.
- Identify community needs, service gaps, and barriers through outreach and engagement activities.
- Provide information and referrals for housing assistance, healthcare, behavioral health services, employment support, financial assistance, food resources, legal services, and other community programs.
- Support participant engagement at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center, including resource navigation, workshops, support groups, and community events.
- Assist with outreach efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness through targeted engagement and relationship-building.
- Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, client contacts, referrals, and outcomes using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Complete required reports and data entry within established timelines, including documentation for program and funding compliance.
- Support daily operations of the Resource Center, including participant check-in, service tracking, opening/closing procedures, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
- Assist with organizing outreach materials, program supplies, and resource information to support effective service delivery.
- Participate in city, regional, and state meetings, councils, and conferences as a representative of the Division and the City.
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of Chesapeake residents
- Collaborate with passionate professionals dedicated to community well-being
- Grow your career in a supportive and mission-driven environment
- Competitive benefits and professional development opportunities
Help us build a thriving Chesapeake—one resident at a time.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Required Qualifications
VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or social work with class work in behavioral sciences or a closely related field. Master’s degree desirable
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or social work with class work in behavioral sciences or a closely related field. Master’s degree desirable
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Preferred Qualifications
- Case Management Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of case management techniques, principles, and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance services to clients.
- Effective Communication Skills: Proven ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the public, city management, and policy makers.
- Problem Solving and Resource Coordination: Skilled in developing solutions to complex individual and family situations by leveraging a broad range of community resources.
- Relevant Sector Experience: Experience working with municipal governments or non-profit organizations, particularly in areas related to housing services.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strong ability to interact positively with diverse stakeholders and to effectively facilitate community meetings in a variety of settings.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
07/01/2026
Job Close Date
07/12/2026
Open Continuous
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is available to employees of the City of Chesapeake only.
ADA Checklist
Overall Physical Strength Demands
Overall Physical Strength Demands
L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Standing
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Sitting
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Walking
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Lifting
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Lifting Amount
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Carrying
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Carrying Weight
Exerting up to 20 lbs
Pushing/Pulling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Pushing/Pulling Weight
Exerting up to 20 lbs
Reaching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Handling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Fine Dexterity
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Kneeling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Crouching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Crawling
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Bending
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Twisting
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Climbing
Never- Never occurs.
Balancing
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Vision
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Hearing
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Talking
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Foot Controls
N = Never
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used
Computer
scanner
copier/fax
scanner
copier/fax
Protective Equipment Required
none
Health and Safety
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Mechanical Hazards
N = Never
Chemical Hazards
N = Never
Electrical Hazards
N = Never
Fire Hazards
N = Never
Explosives
N = Never
Communicable Diseases
S = Seasonally
Physical Danger or Abuse
N = Never
Other
N = Never
If Other, Description
Environmental Factors
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Dirt and Dust
S = Seasonally
Extreme Temperatures
N = Never
Noise and Vibration
N = Never
Fumes and Odors
N = Never
Wetness/Humidity
N = Never
Darkness or Poor Lighting
N = Never
Primary Work Location
Office Environment
Non-Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Time Pressures
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Emergency Situations
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequent Change of Tasks
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Tedious or Exacting Work
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Noisy/Distracting Environment
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Other
If Other, Description
Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)
Team members can assist with scheduling and emergency situations
Professional References
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Minimum Requests
0
Maximum Requests
4
Salary : $55,854 - $74,007