COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Join a team that is passionately committed to provide advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all people impacted by mental health conditions can build healthy and productive lives. NAMI Eastside is the East King County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and our office is in Redmond, Washington. Launched in 2001, NAMI Eastside has a track record of success, a highly engaged Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, diverse community partners, and a compassionate and results-driven spirit. Located in the Together Center, a consortium of social service organizations, we place a high priority on collaboration, fostering diversity-equity-inclusion, and supporting work-life balance.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

NAMI Eastside is seeking a highly motivated and organized Community Engagement Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our mission by providing volunteer recruitment and management, community resource knowledge, exceptional customer service, and outreach to specific communities based on grant funding opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Engagement:

• Recruit volunteers to ensure volunteer recruitment and staffing goals are met
• Perform initial interviews of NAMI Eastside volunteer applicants to ensure applicants are a good fit for programs and their goals are aligned with NAMI Eastside's mission and values
• Guide volunteers through onboarding, training, and provide ongoing support and technical assistance
• Host monthly volunteer orientations to teach new volunteers about NAMI Eastside’s mission, values, goals, expectations, and volunteer opportunities
• Delegate/assign new volunteers to other staff members as appropriate and serve as a resource for staff and volunteers to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Foster a positive volunteer experience to enable effective collaboration
• Support volunteer needs, identify opportunities for recognition, solicit feedback on volunteer experience to improve volunteer outcomes and effectiveness
• Plan and execute volunteer engagement activities, including the annual volunteer picnic, recognition events, and professional development opportunities
• Regularly communicate with volunteers to promote opportunities

Community Resources:

• Train, manage, and schedule a team of community resource volunteers and interns
• Answer telephones, route calls, take messages, and provide general information; greet and direct visitors; answer routine inquiries; maintain a log of inquiries as required; and coordinate and schedule volunteers or interns to provide coverage as needed
• Coordinate and track resource and referral requests
• Monitor info inbox when not assigned to a volunteer or intern
• Maintain knowledge of NAMI Eastside programs, policies and procedures, and processes to effectively communicate with board members, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date database of local mental health resources, support services, and treatment options
• Provide information and referrals to individuals seeking assistance
• Collaborate with relevant organizations to expand and update the resource database

Community Outreach:

• Implement strategies to reach out to assigned communities and organizations to meet program department goals
• Attend outreach events to raise awareness about NAMI Eastside programs and available resources.
• Build relationships with community leaders and stakeholders to identify specific needs and tailor outreach efforts accordingly.
• Provide presentations to community partners and organizations promoting NAMI Eastside programs and opportunities

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Experience working in a nonprofit setting
• Experience recruiting and stewarding volunteers to meet program needs
• Experience developing community outreach strategies and meeting outreach goals
• Prior experience delivering trainings and presentations to diverse audiences
• Excellent attention to detail, promptness, and dependability
• Ability to evaluate and prioritize workload to support multiple goals and deadlines
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to videoconference on Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Demonstrated proficiency with diverse technology platforms, programs, and services, including Microsoft Office and associated products
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and take initiative
• Ability to interact with clients, partners, and community members with professionalism and empathy.
• A strong passion for mental health education and advocacy
• This position may require some evening and weekend work for events
• Reliable transportation and the willingness to travel throughout King County for meetings and events

Preferred:

• Bilingual in Spanish or another language
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or other related field

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Our office is in Redmond, Washington
• 40 hours per week, schedule to be arranged with Program Manager
• Fast-paced work environment with a focus on employee well-being
• Ability to work well within cross-functional teams with a mix of staff and volunteers
• Office environment has moderate noise levels from standard office equipment and conversations; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; regular walking, sitting, bending; ability to perform consistent work on PC and videoconferencing is required

NAMI Eastside does not discriminate against any person in employment or participation in its programs based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, marital status, or any mental, sensory, or physical disability.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Hourly wage is $26 per hour for up to 40 hours per week
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 13 paid holidays plus a floating holiday
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance plans available with $500 paid towards monthly premium after first full month of employment
• Flexible hybrid schedule to be arranged with the Program Manager based on operational needs

HOW TO APPLY:

• Please provide a cover letter and resume
• Your cover letter should express your interest in this position, provide detailed information on why you meet the required qualifications and experience, and include examples of why you would be an excellent fit for this position.
• Expected start date: Depending on applicant availability