Community Outreach Coord/Research Assistant (53168)

Position Summary

The Community Outreach Coordinator / Research Assistant supports WestCare Washington's SAMHSA Adult Suicide Prevention Grant in King and Pierce Counties through community outreach, partnership development, data collection, research, program evaluation, and reporting. The position serves as a liaison with community stakeholders to increase awareness of suicide prevention resources, strengthen referral networks, and expand access to behavioral health services. The role supports task force participation, partner follow-through, and community engagement while assisting the Project Evaluator with evaluation and performance reporting.

Essential Job Functions

Administration

• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Serve as a community contact person to conduct program presentations and updates as needed.
• Monitor and coordinate outreach for the SAMHSA Adult Suicide Prevention Grant and report progress to the Program Director.
• Assist WestCare Washington leadership in implementing recommendations from the WestCare Marketing Department for approved project outreach.
• Collaborate with grant partners, including community agencies and contracted providers, to advance approved suicide prevention activities in King and Pierce Counties.
• Collaborate with WestCare Washington staff and partners on suicide prevention outreach, education, and referral pathways within the approved project scope.
• Perform other work-related tasks assigned by the Program Director that align with project outcomes and position responsibilities.

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain partnerships with local organizations, veteran-serving agencies, schools, faith communities, clinics, and other community resources.
• Represent the agency at community events, health fairs, and local meetings to promote programs and services.
• Organize community outreach events in King and Pierce Counties in coordination with the Program Director and project partners.
• Lead lethal means safety engagement with firearm retailers, ranges, pharmacies, and other trusted community partners; coordinate voluntary safe storage strategies and approved community messaging.
• Coordinate with local government, transportation agencies, law enforcement, and community partners to identify documented high-risk locations and support partner-led safety improvements consistent with the approved work plan.
• Coordinate presentations, workshops, and pop-up events to increase community presence and program referrals.
• Work with the marketing team or approved vendors to prepare and distribute approved outreach materials, including flyers, brochures, and social media content.
• Maintain an outreach calendar and track contacts, leads, and engagement using spreadsheets and approved program tracking systems.
• Identify media outlets and methods of communication within all areas of service.
• Coordinate task force development and partner recruitment; maintain Letters of Commitment, meeting records, and follow-up on partner responsibilities.
• Organize outreach schedules and follow-up activities to meet grant milestones and expected outcomes.
• Attend necessary monthly integrated staff team meetings.
• Attend in-person and virtual program conferences and meetings, community meetings, and events as deemed necessary.

Partner Engagement and Referral Coordination

• Respond to community and partner inquiries, explain available program resources, and support connections through approved referral pathways.
• Communicate with the Program Director about barriers to partner participation, referral coordination, or community engagement.
• Assist the Project Evaluator with surveys and other feedback tools to assess outreach effectiveness and identify participation barriers.
• Coordinate partner meetings and engagement activities that support task force participation and community suicide prevention goals.
• Track participation, partner follow-up, and community feedback for project reporting. Follow approved consent, confidentiality, referral, and crisis-response procedures

Data and Research

• Assist the Project Evaluator with data collection, literature reviews, data quality checks, basic analysis, performance tracking, and required reporting using established tools and procedures.
• Research and summarize approved suicide prevention and lethal means safety resources to support community education and voluntary safe storage partnerships.
• Collect and organize outreach logs, partner participation records, training attendance, and pre- and post-training assessments using evaluator-approved tools.
• Review records for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness; identify missing information and assist with corrections and required SAMHSA performance measures, including SUPRT-P.
• Coordinate with the Training Coordinator, Project Evaluator, and community partners to provide authorized data for evaluation and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintain partner contact and commitment records for businesses, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders supporting the project.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Education, Psychology, Human Services, Business, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field required. Candidates must also demonstrate the outreach, coordination, and data management competencies required for this position.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience and Competencies

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in community outreach, veteran services, behavioral health, suicide prevention, public health, or community program coordination. Paid employment and volunteer experience may satisfy this requirement when the responsibilities are directly related to the position.
• Experience coordinating outreach activities, community partnerships, public-facing programs, or project teams. Ability to organize meetings, communicate with stakeholders, document commitments, and follow through on assigned responsibilities. Previous experience supporting or managing a community coalition or task force is preferred.
• Knowledge of veteran services, behavioral health, trauma-informed engagement, or community resources.
• Knowledge of suicide prevention and lethal means safety practices is preferred. Must complete required position-specific training and follow approved confidentiality, referral, and participant safety procedures.
• Experience engaging community members, explaining programs or services, conducting outreach, or delivering educational presentations. Ability to communicate with diverse audiences and work with the marketing team to prepare and distribute approved outreach materials.
• Experience working with the population of focus or closely related population.
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking and group facilitation/training.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Salary : $30