• Full Time
  • Regular
  • Nome
Pay Rate: $40.69 to $53.09 |
Division: Community Services |
Close Date: 03-27-2025

KAWERAK POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

DIVISION:                                                         Community Services Division

JOB TITLE:                                                        Community Outreach Specialist

POSITION STATUS:                                         Regular, Full-time

LOCATION:                                                         Nome

EXEMPT STATUS:                                            Non-Exempt

PAY SCALE GRADE:                                         13-14-15

REPORTS TO:                                                     Wellness Director

 

The Community Outreach Specialist will serve as a key liaison between the Kawerak Wellness Program and the communities served by the Bering Straits Opioid Response Project.   This role is crucial for amplifying community engagement efforts and ensuring the project’s initiatives are culturally relevant and effective.  The Community Outreach Specialist will report directly to the Wellness Program Director and will be responsible for a wide range of duties that support the project’s goals.

 

A significant aspect of this position involves extensive travel throughout the Bering Strait region for outreach efforts.  The Community Outreach Specialist must be prepared to frequently visit remote communities to conduct educational presentations, facilitate focus groups, and establish partnerships with the local organizations.

 

BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct educational presentations on opioid use, misuse, prevention, and treatment within the region.
  • Establish and facilitate effective communication channels between project staff, partners and community members.
  • Organize and conduct culturally appropriate education sessions and workshops in various community settings.
  • Work with community members & leadership to create buy in for this Opioid Response Project.
  • Ability to develop and maintain extensive contacts and interact with a variety of partners including City, Tribal, Federal, corporate and nonprofit entities.
  • Assist in the recruitment and retention of program participants.
  • Facilitate focus groups and community feedback sessions to gather crucial implementation feedback.
  • Provide cultural guidance to ensure all project activities are respectful and relevant to local communities.
  • Support data collection efforts through community-based surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
  • Help establish and strengthen partnerships with local organizations, tribal entities, and community leaders.
  • Coordinate project activities and ensure adherence to timelines.
  • Contribute to the refinement of project strategies based on community feedback.
  • Assist in the development of progress reports and presentations.
  • Maintain collaborative partnership within the region.
  • Attending Regional Wellness Forum meetings to present and/or advise on trends.
  • Pursue professional development to stay informed of best practices and new toolkits.
  • Ability to provide advice and guidance, interpreting regulations, evaluating, assessing and establishing program policies and goals for this Opioid Response Project.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Wellness Director.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Associate degree in a relevant field OR High School diploma with at least 2 years of experience in community outreach, health education, or related field.
  2. Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. Administrative work experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
  3. Strong ties to the Bering Strait region and deep understanding of local Alaska Native cultures.
  4. Experience working with Tribal Organizations or in Rural Alaska Communities.
  5. Certification in Mental Health First Aid or similar program preferred
  6. Fluency in English and preferred fluency in one Alaska Native language (Inupiaq, Central Yup’ik, or Siberian Yupik).
  7. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the Bering Strait region year-round.
  8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
  9. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  10. Familiarity with HIPPA laws.
  11. Ability to create and present relevant educational materials to various audience sizes.
  12. Experience with substance misuse, misuse prevention, and mental health promotion programs.
  13. Training in motivational interviewing and culturally appropriate health communication.
  14. Familiarity with traditional Alaska Native healing practices.
  15. Knowledge of public health policies and regulations
  16. Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.

 

Native Preference per Public Law 93-638                                                                  Approved (3/11/2025)

 

SLOTTING:

13 – AA or HS Diploma/GED +2 years experience

14 – AA +2 years experiences preferred or HS Diploma/GED +2 years experience

15 – AA +4years experiences preferred or HS Diploma/GED +4 years experience